European Union leaders convened on March 6, 2025, for an extraordinary summit aimed at bolstering security for Ukraine and responding to changing dynamics with the United States following President Donald Trump’s decision to pause military supplies to Ukraine. With only Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited as the sole non-EU leader, the presence of Zelenskyy underscored the gravity of the situation as he expressed gratitude for the continuous support from European nations amid worries about dwindling US assistance.
Upon arrival, Zelenskyy said, "We are very thankful we are not alone and these are not just words, we feel it," emphasizing the importance of unwavering European solidarity during this turbulent time.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen articulated the stakes, stating, "Europe faces a clear and present danger, and we must be able to protect ourselves and our allies. We need to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression." Von der Leyen’s remarks set the tone for the summit, where military capabilities and security guarantees for Ukraine topped the agenda.
The centerpiece of the discussions was von der Leyen’s proposal for the ReArm Europe plan, aimed at raising defense spending significantly across the EU by 800 billion euros ($860 billion). This ambitious plan proposes removing penalties related to high debt levels if expenditures are allocated for military reasons, among other incentives to bolster national defense capabilities across member states.
Former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren remarked, "This might be the moment where we are on our own and we have to make sure we are secure and Ukraine does not lose this war. This is the reality we must face." This sentiment seemed to resonate deeply among delegates as they navigated through their current challenges, chief among them resistance from Hungary and Slovakia to increase military support to Ukraine.
While most attending leaders recognized the urgency of increased military readiness, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán from Hungary and Prime Minister Robert Fico from Slovakia reiterated their long-held opposition to enhancing Ukraine’s military support. Their skepticism raised concerns about potential rifts within the EU as it attempts to present a united front against Russian aggression.
The summit marked not just discussions about military expenditures but also about the broader European security framework. Amidst the political deliberations, EU leaders considered the evolution of the geopolitical situation characterized by Trump’s pause on US military supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine—an abrupt shift described as “overturning old certainties” about US reliability as Europe's security partner.
Compounding these challenges is the fact Trump’s recent rhetoric has shaken the foundations of traditional alliances, placing additional pressure on EU nations to recalibrate their defense strategies independently of the US. Ahead of the summit, leaders convened to draft statements reinforcing the principle: There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine being involved directly, and the need for credible security guarantees for Ukraine remains non-negotiable.
Conversing around the table, discussions included statements emphasizing the need for prolonged support for Ukraine, stating any ceasing of hostilities must be tied to lasting agreements respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, public remarks from leaders outside the summit provided additional insights. For example, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed, “The US remains an indispensable ally, and we are working to align the interests of the US, Ukraine, and Europe together.” His call for comprehensive peace backed by solid security guarantees struck at the heart of the summit's discussions.
The summit was also influenced by the backdrop of security measures discussed at lower levels, including ideas to utilize France’s nuclear deterrent to strengthen European stability—a topic welcomed by Baltic leaders. Macron’s openness to this strategic option indicated the rising awareness of the need for European self-sufficiency in defense capabilities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, meanwhile, did not miss the opportunity to criticize the EU's efforts, dismissing claims of Russia posing any threat to Europe as “stupid” during his address, reiteration of Russia's firm stance reflecting the strained relations post-summit.
At the conclusion of the discussions on March 6, all eyes turned toward the next significant gathering of EU leaders, scheduled for March 7, where EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas and other dignitaries will convene again to align on their collective direction. This upcoming meeting will also include assessments of the EU’s broader military strategy and its potential to transition from theoretical frameworks to actionable plans.
While the coalition of the willing has been talked about—bringing together partners willing to support Ukraine—it remains to be seen how commitments will materialize, especially with internal dissent among member states.
The EU is on the brink of operationalizing its defense framework, facing direct lines under the pressure of geopolitical shifts. For now, leaders have paved the way with those structural reforms necessary for long-term security measures. Specifics related to the plans for the Defense White Paper to be presented on March 19, 2025, will likely crystallize strategies intended to position Europe decisively amid changing global power dynamics.