EU Leaders Gather in Brussels to Discuss Ukraine War and Defense Strategy

European leaders are meeting in Brussels for a high-stakes summit focused on the war in Ukraine, defense investments, and economic policies. The talks, expected to continue late into the night, come at a critical moment for Europe’s approach to security and military support.

Before the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the discussions, stating, “these are decisive days for Europe.”

Debates Over Defense Funding and ‘Buy European’ Strategy

While no major decisions are expected immediately, EU leaders are set to debate how to fund defense investments, with some nations pushing for more ambitious spending. Greek Prime Minister Kyriákos Mitsotakis urged EU leaders to agree on grants for member states to buy defense equipment, arguing that Europe must strengthen its security.

However, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof firmly opposed any moves toward shared European debt to fund defense spending. “We are opposing eurobonds,” he told reporters, reaffirming the Netherlands’ long-standing stance against common debt initiatives.

France, meanwhile, is expected to defend its “buy European” strategy, which prioritizes EU-based defense contracts. A proposed €150 billion loan fund for defense investments will exclude countries that do not have a defense and security agreement with the EU.

Zelenskyy to Brief EU Leaders on Trump Call

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to brief European leaders on his recent conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. While details of their call remain undisclosed, Trump has previously expressed skepticism about U.S. aid to Ukraine, raising concerns in Europe about future American support.

Hungary Remains an Outlier on Ukraine Support

As expected, 26 of the 27 EU member states are likely to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, Hungary is once again expected to withhold its backing. According to a report from The Guardian, the draft summit statement urges Russia “to show real political will to end the war.”

Downgraded Military Aid Proposal

Initially, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposed a plan to send tens of billions of euros in immediate military aid to Ukraine. However, this proposal appears to have been scaled down, with EU member states now being asked to focus on supplying ammunition instead.

As the Brussels summit unfolds, European leaders face growing pressure to strengthen their defense strategy while maintaining unity on Ukraine. The outcomes of these discussions will shape the EU’s approach to security and military support in the months ahead.