EU Holds Emergency Summit on Defense, Ukraine Aid Without US/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Amid uncertainty over US support, European Union leaders gathered for an emergency summit to discuss military expansion and continued aid for Ukraine. The meeting follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military assistance to Ukraine, forcing Europe to strengthen its own security. French President Emmanuel Macron proposed using France’s nuclear deterrent to protect the continent, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pushed for a €150 billion ($162 billion) loan package to boost military spending. Despite division among EU nations, leaders agreed that Europe must become more self-reliant in defense.
EU Defense Summit: Quick Look
- Emergency Meeting: EU leaders gather to discuss defense spending and Ukraine aid.
- US Pullback: Trump’s halt on military aid to Ukraine prompts European action.
- France’s Role: Macron raises possibility of nuclear deterrent for EU security.
- Germany’s Push: Likely Chancellor Friedrich Merz advocates higher defense spending.
- Funding Plans: Von der Leyen proposes €150B loan package for military expansion.
- EU Divisions: Hungary and Slovakia threaten to veto summit’s Ukraine stance.
- Next Steps: Final decisions expected at March 20-21 EU summit.
EU Leaders Discuss Defense and Ukraine Aid as Trump Pauses US Support
Europe Confronts New Security Reality
With President Donald Trump suspending US military assistance to Ukraine, European leaders met Thursday in Brussels to chart a new course for European defense and security.
The summit comes as Europe’s reliance on the US for military protection faces serious challenges, prompting urgent discussions on increased defense spending and independent security measures.
“Europe faces a clear and present danger,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasizing that the EU must become capable of defending itself.
Key Proposals: Strengthening Europe’s Military
German leader Friedrich Merz, expected to become Germany’s next chancellor, pushed plans to ease debt limits for higher defense spending.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron sparked discussion over whether France’s nuclear arsenal could be leveraged to protect Europe from Russian threats.
“Europe’s future does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow,” Macron said, signaling a desire for more European autonomy.
Von der Leyen introduced a €150 billion ($162 billion) loan plan to help EU nations increase their military capabilities and bolster Ukraine’s defense.
Ukraine’s Presence at the Summit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the meeting, receiving a warmer reception than his recent tense exchange with Trump in Washington.
“I want to thank all our European leaders,” Zelenskyy said. “Strong support from the very beginning of the war. You stayed with us.”
The Ukrainian leader’s presence underscored the critical role of EU assistance after Trump’s decision to pause US military aid.
Russia’s Continued Attacks on Ukraine
While leaders debated financial and military solutions, Russia continued its assault on Ukraine.
A Russian missile attack on a hotel in Zelenskyy’s hometown killed four people and injured 31 others, including American and British humanitarian workers.
The attack reinforced the urgent need for continued international support for Ukraine’s defense.
EU’s Funding Challenges
Despite a shared desire to increase defense spending, EU nations face significant financial hurdles.
- France’s Budget Crisis: Already struggling with a 5% deficit, France must balance military expansion with economic constraints.
- High-Debt Nations: Greece, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Belgium all have debt levels exceeding 100% of GDP.
- Germany’s Fiscal Strength: With a 62% debt-to-GDP ratio, Germany has more room to invest in defense.
Von der Leyen proposed loosening EU budget rules to allow more military spending without penalties—a move that could help struggling nations invest in security.
Political Divisions in the EU
Despite broad agreement on the need for stronger European defense, internal divisions threaten unity.
- Hungary & Slovakia: These nations oppose aspects of the summit’s Ukraine stance, potentially blocking a unified EU response.
- Lithuania’s Urgency: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda insisted the EU cannot be paralyzed by internal dissent:
“We have to take decisions no matter the one or two which are opposing every time.”
What’s Next?
Thursday’s summit did not finalize decisions on defense spending or Ukraine aid.
A follow-up EU summit on March 20-21 is expected to produce concrete actions as Europe adjusts to a post-US support reality.
“This is a watershed moment for Europe and Ukraine,” von der Leyen concluded. “We must act now.”
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