European leaders have vowed to strengthen defense capabilities and stand by Ukraine as U.S. policy shifts under Donald Trump raise concerns about NATO’s future role. At a high-stakes summit in Brussels, EU leaders backed a proposal to increase defense budgets and borrow up to €150 billion to bolster military forces, fearing Russia could expand its aggression beyond Ukraine.
"Europe must take up this challenge, this arms race. And it must win it," said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for European defense autonomy, calling this a crucial first step.
The summit reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to Ukraine, though Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally with close ties to Moscow, distanced himself from the joint statement. The remaining 26 EU leaders pledged ongoing military and financial aid to Kyiv, insisting that peace negotiations must involve Ukraine.
Despite the EU’s resolve, challenges remain in replacing U.S. military support, which accounted for over 40% of Ukraine’s aid last year. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged caution, hoping Washington could still be persuaded to assist. Meanwhile, Norway announced plans to double its financial aid to Ukraine and ramp up its defense budget.
Macron also proposed extending France’s nuclear deterrence to protect EU allies, an idea met with cautious optimism. Lithuania and Poland welcomed discussions on a potential "nuclear umbrella," while others stressed the importance of maintaining U.S. involvement.
Trump’s recent comments questioning NATO’s role and his softened stance on Russia have alarmed European leaders. In response, Germany’s incoming government has agreed to lift borrowing limits to fund defense spending, underscoring growing fears over European security.
As Europe braces for an uncertain future, leaders are pushing for stronger defense capabilities, determined to stand firm against Russian threats.