European Union leaders gathered for a special European Council meeting on Thursday, reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine and outlining bold new steps to strengthen the continent’s defense capabilities. In a meeting marked by a clear sense of urgency, the 27-member bloc emphasized that Europe must become more self-reliant in military matters while continuing to stand with Kyiv against Russian aggression.
“We are moving decisively towards a strong and more sovereign Europe of defense,” European Council President António Costa declared at a press conference following the meeting.
A United Front on Ukraine—With One Exception
With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joining the discussions at the start of the session, EU leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine financially and militarily. To date, the EU has provided €135.4 billion in assistance, with €49.2 billion allocated for military aid. Looking ahead to 2025, the bloc plans to contribute an additional €30.6 billion through a combination of direct EU funds and a G7-backed loan leveraging frozen Russian assets.
Despite near-unanimous backing, Hungary once again stood apart. While 26 of the 27 EU leaders supported the Council’s conclusions on Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán remained reluctant to endorse measures that might escalate tensions with Moscow.
Beyond financial aid, EU leaders emphasized that any negotiations for a peace settlement must adhere to core principles, including Ukraine’s full sovereignty and European involvement in shaping any agreement. “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine,” the leaders underscored in a joint statement.
Boosting Defense Capabilities: Europe Seeks Autonomy
Beyond Ukraine, the summit was dominated by a broader question: how can Europe enhance its military capabilities in an era of growing geopolitical uncertainty? The EU’s longstanding dependence on the United States and NATO for security has come under increasing scrutiny, particularly as Washington’s future commitments remain uncertain amid shifting U.S. political dynamics.
To bolster its own defenses, the EU is exploring a range of measures, including:
- Defense Spending Flexibility: The European Commission is expected to recommend loosening fiscal rules under the Stability and Growth Pact to allow member states to ramp up defense investments without violating budgetary constraints.
- €150 Billion in Defense Loans: A proposal to provide low-interest loans for military projects is under review, signaling the EU’s ambition to significantly increase defense spending.
- Strengthening the European Defense Industry: Leaders called for joint procurement efforts to streamline military acquisitions and ensure a more self-sufficient European defense sector.
Key priorities include air and missile defense, ammunition stockpiles, drone warfare, and military mobility—areas where Europe currently lags behind global competitors.
Balancing Autonomy and NATO Commitments
Despite the push for greater European military capabilities, leaders reaffirmed that NATO remains the cornerstone of European security. With a critical NATO summit scheduled for June, EU officials are keen to ensure that their new defense ambitions complement rather than compete with the transatlantic alliance.
A major point of discussion was how to coordinate European efforts with NATO’s broader strategy, particularly as tensions with Russia show no sign of abating. The Council also called for stronger security partnerships with non-EU allies, reflecting a growing realization that Europe must work with like-minded nations beyond the bloc’s borders.
One issue that underscored Europe’s lingering energy vulnerabilities was the dispute over gas transit through Ukraine. Slovakia raised concerns over the economic implications of disruptions, prompting EU leaders to call on the European Commission, Slovakia, and Ukraine to find a viable solution. While military aid to Ukraine remains a top priority, some Eastern European nations continue to grapple with the economic fallout of the war.
The special European Council meeting underscored a critical shift in EU policymaking: Europe is no longer relying solely on external partners for its security. The push for a more sovereign and capable European defense has moved beyond rhetoric, with concrete financial and strategic commitments now on the table.
As the war in Ukraine grinds on, the coming months will test whether Europe can translate these ambitious plans into real military readiness—before geopolitical realities force its hand. /BV
