Brussels hosts high-stakes meeting as Europe bolsters its defense strategy

European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday for an emergency summit focused on reinforcing support for Ukraine. The meeting comes amid growing concerns over the reliability of U.S. assistance following President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pause military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Zelenskyy: ‘We are very thankful that we are not alone’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the only non-EU leader invited to the summit, expressed gratitude for Europe’s continued backing at a time when U.S. policy appears to be shifting.

“During all this period—and last week—you stayed with us,” Zelenskyy said. “We are very thankful that we are not alone, and these are not just words; we feel it.”

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Europe faces a clear and present danger, and therefore Europe has to be able to protect itself, to defend itself, as we have to put Ukraine in a position to protect itself and to push for a lasting and just peace.”

EU’s ‘ReArm Europe’ plan: A response to Trump’s disengagement

The summit’s focal point is a sweeping defense package, presented by von der Leyen earlier this week, aimed at boosting military spending across the 27-member bloc by €800 billion ($860 billion). Dubbed the “ReArm Europe” initiative, the proposal seeks to incentivize defense investment by easing fiscal restrictions on military-related expenditures.

Key measures include:

• Exemptions from debt penalties for EU nations that increase defense spending.
• EU-backed loans for joint purchases of strategic military equipment, including air and missile defense systems, drones, and cyber capabilities—areas where Europe remains heavily reliant on U.S. support.

Europe bracing for ‘war economy’ measures

Former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren warned that the geopolitical landscape has fundamentally shifted, requiring Europe to take unprecedented steps.

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“This might be the moment where we are on our own, and we have to make sure that we are secure and that Ukraine does not lose this war,” Ollongren told NPR. “These are difficult choices. And you have to explain them to people. But it has to be done.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola signaled broad political support for bold action, declaring, “It is about damn time. This is something that we have been asking for a long time—that Europe is capable of standing up on its own two feet.”

Obstacles remain: Hungary and Slovakia push back

Despite broad backing for increased defense commitments, the ReArm Europe plan faces resistance from some quarters. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, both known for their skepticism toward aid for Ukraine, have expressed reluctance to approve the proposals. However, EU officials hope that provisions benefiting domestic defense industries will help sway opposition.

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Looking ahead: Can Europe fill the U.S. void?

With Washington’s stance on Ukraine becoming increasingly uncertain, the Brussels summit marks a critical moment for Europe’s strategic autonomy. While the EU’s willingness to step up its defense commitments is clear, whether it can fully compensate for diminished U.S. support remains an open question.

For now, as Zelenskyy meets with European leaders, the message from Brussels is firm: Europe will not abandon Ukraine, even if it means reshaping its own defense and security policies for the long term.

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