EU Leaders and NATO Chief Meet to Strengthen Defense and Address U.S. Tariff Threats
The Brussels summit marks the first British participation since Brexit, focusing on defense collaboration, Ukraine support, and concerns over new U.S. trade policies.
- 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.