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European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine
EU Summit Focuses on Defense and Ukraine Aid
European leaders are set to agree on increasing defense spending and reaffirming support for Ukraine at a summit in Brussels. The decision comes amid concerns that the EU can no longer rely on U.S. protection after a recent suspension of military aid to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend the summit, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a known ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump, may veto a unanimous statement backing Ukraine.
The Challenge of Replacing U.S. Aid
While European nations are pledging increased military expenditure, fully replacing U.S. aid remains a challenge. Last year, the U.S. accounted for more than 40% of military aid to Ukraine, a contribution Europe may struggle to match.
Concerns Over European Security
The summit takes place amid heightened fears that Russia, emboldened by its war in Ukraine, could threaten an EU country. European leaders worry about their security, particularly in the face of uncertain U.S. support.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the urgency of preparedness, stating that while he hopes the U.S. will continue supporting Europe, the continent must be ready to defend itself. In a significant move, Macron suggested that France is open to discussions on extending its nuclear deterrence to its European allies.
Increased Defense Spending and Fiscal Adjustments
Germany’s prospective governing coalition has agreed to relax borrowing limits to allocate billions of euros toward defense spending. Meanwhile, the European Commission has introduced proposals that could mobilize up to 800 billion euros for European defense. This includes a plan to borrow up to 150 billion euros for loans to EU governments.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted that these measures would provide member states with greater fiscal space for military spending, facilitate joint European procurement, and benefit Ukraine.
Trump’s Shift and Its Impact on European Policy
Trump has repeatedly urged Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security and has previously suggested that NATO allies failing to meet defense spending targets might not receive U.S. protection. His recent shift from strong U.S. backing for Ukraine to a more conciliatory stance toward Moscow has heightened European concerns.
Political Divisions Within the EU
Most EU leaders are eager to reassure Zelenskiy of continued European support following his tense meeting with Trump. However, internal disagreements persist.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed setting a specific military aid target for Ukraine this year, but member states have yet to reach a consensus. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has openly opposed the EU’s strategy on Ukraine, arguing that fundamental strategic differences exist.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has also taken a cautious stance, linking his approval of summit conclusions to the inclusion of provisions for reopening Russian gas transit through Ukraine, a vital energy source for Slovakia.
Looking Ahead
Diplomats expect the summit to endorse the European Commission’s defense proposals, instructing officials to draft legislation. However, further negotiations will be needed before concrete measures are implemented.
The summit underscores a turning point in European defense policy, with leaders facing the dual challenge of bolstering military capabilities and maintaining unity in their support for Ukraine.
“European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine” “European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine” “European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine” “European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine” “European Leaders to Boost Defense Spending and Support for Ukraine”