European Union leaders have agreed to enhance the bloc’s defense capabilities and reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine during a special summit in Brussels on Thursday.
At the one-day meeting, the leaders endorsed the ReArm Europe plan introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this week. The initiative aims to strengthen the EU’s collective defense and ensure long-term security for member states.
In a significant move, the leaders agreed to activate the national escape clause under the Stability and Growth Pact. This decision allows for increased defense spending and provides immediate budgetary flexibility across EU member states.
“We are taking decisive steps to bolster our defense capabilities,” von der Leyen said. “This is about ensuring the safety and security of all EU citizens.”
The EU leaders called on the Commission to explore further measures to facilitate substantial defense investments at the national level while ensuring debt sustainability. They also acknowledged the Commission’s proposal for a new EU instrument offering member states up to 150 billion euros ($161.8 billion) in loans backed by the EU budget, urging the European Council to examine the proposal urgently.
Recent global events have highlighted the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense. EU members have faced increasing pressure to enhance their military capabilities amid evolving security challenges.
In a separate statement, 26 EU leaders expressed their solidarity with Ukraine, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban notably absent from the agreement. The leaders emphasized that any negotiations concerning Ukraine must involve Ukraine itself and that Europeans should be actively engaged in discussions about their own security.
“There can be no talks about Ukraine without Ukraine,” the statement read. “We remain committed to supporting our Ukrainian friends in their pursuit of peace and stability.”
The EU pledged to continue financial support for Ukraine, committing 30.6 billion euros in 2025. Of this amount, 12.5 billion euros will be disbursed through the Ukraine Facility, while 18.1 billion euros will come from profits generated from immobilized Russian assets.
The summit underscored the EU’s dedication to collective security and its resolve to stand with Ukraine amid ongoing tensions in the region.
