European Leaders to Meet for Special Defense Summit

European Union leaders are meeting in Brussels on Thursday for special consultations on defense, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying the continent is at a “historic turning point.”

The leaders are expected to discuss how the bloc can further support Kyiv in the face of US President Donald Trump’s announcement on Monday to halt aid to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelensky has been invited to the meeting.

Concerns have been growing in Europe since Trump and Zelensky’s argument at the White House last week.

Three years after Russia invaded Ukraine, the Trump administration’s actions toward Russian President Vladimir Putin have left many in Europe worried that the continent cannot rely on American support for its security.

Washington’s decision on Wednesday to suspend intelligence cooperation with Ukraine has added to those concerns.

Indicating the concerns, President Macron said France was ready to discuss expanding the protection offered by its nuclear weapons to its European allies, during a speech to the nation on Wednesday.

This was followed by a call from Friedrich Merz, the prospective next Chancellor of Germany, to discuss increasing nuclear supply.

The European Investment Bank will also be allowed to finance military projects.

Many European leaders have expressed support for urgent and decisive action regarding the continent’s security.

The French president plans to hold a meeting of European military chiefs in Paris next week.

Macron said “strong measures” would be taken in Brussels, making European countries “more prepared to defend themselves.”

“At this time we need unprecedented decisions,” he concluded.

By: BBC