European Union leaders are holding an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday to address growing concerns over Europe’s security in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting comes as European nations face increasing pressure to boost military spending following the Trump administration’s decision to cut US military aid to Ukraine and urge Europe to take charge of its own security.
Shift in US Foreign Policy Sparks Urgency
Recent policy changes under President Donald Trump, including a thaw in relations with Russia, have forced EU leaders to rethink their defense strategies.
European officials speaking to Politico acknowledged the need for action but expressed concerns about potential missteps. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for “an incredible awakening,” while Germany’s incoming Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warned that Europe is “five minutes to midnight.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “Europe faces a clear and present danger on a scale that none of us have seen in our adult lifetime. Some of our fundamental assumptions are being undermined to their very core.”
Summit Unlikely to Address Immediate Support for Ukraine
Despite the urgency, the meeting is not expected to focus on supplying Ukraine with weapons and ammunition to compensate for the US aid freeze. Additionally, it will not unlock the €183 billion ($196 billion) in frozen Russian assets held in Belgium, which could have been used to assist Ukraine, according to AP News.
Ukraine’s Military Continues to Resist Russian Advances
On the battlefield, Ukraine’s forces are actively defending against Russian offensives along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of military casualties and over 12,000 civilian deaths in Ukraine.
Proposal for Troop Deployment to Ukraine Under Discussion
Leaders will also deliberate on forming a “coalition of the willing” to deploy 30,000 troops to Ukraine in an effort to stabilize the region. The proposal remains in its early stages, with discussions expected to determine the feasibility and implications of such a move.
As Europe faces one of its most significant security crises in decades, the summit’s outcome will be closely watched for signs of how the EU plans to navigate its defense future.