Amid concerns over a potential shift in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, European Union leaders convened an emergency summit on Thursday to strengthen their own military defenses and ensure continued support for Ukraine.
Germany’s likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, met with summit host Antonio Costa over breakfast to discuss ways to address these challenges on a tight timeline. This comes just days after he and his prospective coalition partner proposed easing the country’s debt restrictions to allow for increased defense spending.
Meanwhile, leaders across the 27-member bloc were also reacting to reports that French President Emmanuel Macron would discuss with EU officials the possibility of utilizing France’s nuclear deterrent as part of efforts to safeguard Europe against potential threats from Russia.
These discussions reflect the significant shift that has taken place in the two months since Trump assumed office, as his administration has raised questions about longstanding U.S.-European security cooperation that has been a pillar of Western defense since World War II.
A European Policy Center analysis noted that, given these evolving dynamics and the ongoing risks of conflict in Europe, the continent must take greater responsibility for its own security and defense strategy.
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