European Union leaders will hold emergency talks in Brussels on Thursday to discuss how to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities in the face of growing uncertainties surrounding US support. The summit comes after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which US military aid to Ukraine was suspended, leaving European leaders questioning the reliability of Washington as a security partner.
The emergency talks mark the first time all 27 EU leaders will meet since the fallout over the US decision, with the bloc aiming to maintain its support for Ukraine. However, no significant new aid announcements are expected, as the EU has already committed 30 billion euros in assistance for 2023.
The prospect of a US pivot away from European alliances has intensified discussions around boosting European defences against Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an ambitious 800 billion euro plan to “re-arm Europe” and secure the continent’s safety.
In light of Trump’s expressed desire to negotiate directly with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, European leaders are concerned about their interests being overlooked in any potential peace deal. Calls for a “coalition of the willing” to draft a peace plan and a European force to oversee any agreement are also on the agenda.
While an agreement on delivering new weaponry to Ukraine remains uncertain, EU leaders have reached a consensus on the need for increased military spending. A key point of discussion will be mobilising the funds needed to achieve strategic autonomy and bolster Europe’s long-term defence capabilities.
