Overview

• EU leaders convene in Brussels to discuss boosting collective defense capabilities, including increased military spending and streamlined arms production across member states.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attends the EU summit for the first time since Brexit, emphasizing closer ties in defense, security, and trade without rejoining the EU.
• German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Starmer reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine, aiming to strengthen its position in potential peace negotiations with Russia.
• Concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's newly imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China loom large, with EU leaders warning against escalating trade barriers.
• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte joins discussions, urging European nations to increase defense investments in response to growing security threats.