During the recent European Union summit held in Brussels on March 20, 2025, leaders struggled to reach consensus on a robust financial support plan for Ukraine, directly affecting the country's defense as it confronts ongoing aggression from Russia.
At the heart of the discussions was a proposal put forth by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, seeking to mobilize €40 billion in aid for Ukraine. This substantial plan, however, failed to gain the necessary support from the leaders present, with Hungary notably dissenting. This lack of agreement left Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj's appeals for military aid, including at least €5 billion for artillery shells, largely unaddressed.
In a stark indication of the summit's challenges, only 26 out of 27 member states approved the final statement regarding Ukraine, largely because Hungary withdrew its approval. Consequently, many of the key initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defenses against Russian aggression were downplayed or not included in the official conclusions.
"We need at least five billion Euros for artillery shells as soon as possible," Selenskyj stated during a virtual address to the summit. His request echoed the urgency required for Ukraine's military needs amidst the ongoing conflict. However, his appeal, alongside Kallas' proposition of €5 billion for 2 million rounds of ammunition, lacked the backing necessary for immediate action, resulting in further frustration.
Despite vague commitments to support Ukraine which included an earlier pledge of €15 billion from various member states, leaders failed to articulate any new financial figures beyond those previously announced. "The EU must prepare for the possibility of large-scale conflict with Russia," noted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasizing the dangers posed by the shifting geopolitical landscape.
During the summit, strategies for enhancing the readiness of EU defense capabilities also took center stage, with discussions focusing on increasing military preparedness significantly by 2030. The discussions included plans to mobilize a total of €800 billion over the next four years across member states to bolster their defenses against a potential Russian offensive.
EU Council President António Costa remarked, "Today we focused primarily on our economy," reflecting the difficulties encountered in balancing domestic and foreign priorities. He acknowledged the diversity of opinions expressed during the summit, stating, "We must respect differing viewpoints, but not allow individuals to block shared support." This comment underscored the pervasive view that Hungary's veto posed a considerable obstacle to unified European action in favor of Ukraine.
The dynamics between Eastern and Western member states also came into play, with various countries expressing different perspectives on the urgency of addressing Ukraine’s needs. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda highlighted the necessity of inviting Ukraine to join the EU before 2030. In contrast, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez maintained that security concerns on the southern flank should not be neglected, promoting a diversified approach to EU engagements.
The outcome of this summit only added to the urgency around the upcoming meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for March 27, 2025. Macron aims to gather allies in a coalition of support for Ukraine to finalize arrangements for military aid and consider the inclusion of possible peacekeeping forces.
In the days leading to this summit, there were indications that challenges surrounding Kallas’ proposal had emerged, with differing expectations and unresolved queries about how member states would contribute based on their economic stature, as measured by their Gross National Income (GNI). France and Italy were particularly resistant to this model, fearing increased financial burdens.
Though the summit concluded with commitments to continue supporting Ukraine, the discontent and delays highlighted by Hungary's resistance to the 'Peace through Strength' strategy indicate a fractured landscape within the EU. Some diplomats remained optimistic that strategic alterations to Kallas’ proposal could salvage it in future negotiations.
As the EU looks toward bolstering its defense and support initiatives for Ukraine, the complexities of intra-European coordination and the pressing threat from Russia loom larger than ever. Convincing Hungary to align with broader EU strategies may be essential for solidifying support for Ukraine moving forward. The urgent deliberations around this upcoming summit in Paris suggest that while the resolutions may be delayed, the desire for action remains urgent among most EU stakeholders.
