Overview

• European leaders convene in Brussels to discuss increased defense spending, prompted by Donald Trump's demands and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.
• Trump has called for NATO allies to allocate at least 5% of GDP to defense, a target many European nations find unrealistic.
• The EU is preparing for potential U.S. tariffs after Trump imposed new duties on Canada, Mexico, and China, with Brussels promising a firm response if targeted.
• Discussions also include concerns over Trump's promises to quickly end the Ukraine war, raising fears of a pressured settlement unfavorable to Kyiv.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joins the summit, marking the first such participation since Brexit, as talks explore a potential UK-EU security agreement.