European leaders are set to endorse ambitious measures to bolster defence spending and reinforce support for Ukraine at a high-stakes summit in Brussels. The gathering comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s suspension of military aid to Kyiv, raising concerns over Europe’s reliance on U.S. protection.
The leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states will be joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, underscoring continued European solidarity with Ukraine. However, the show of unity could be disrupted by Hungary’s refusal to back a collective statement supporting Kyiv. The meeting takes place against a backdrop of significant defence policy shifts, spurred by fears that Russia—strengthened by its war in Ukraine—may pose a direct threat to EU nations.
Trump has reiterated his commitment to NATO but has also insisted that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. His shift from unwavering support for Ukraine to a more conciliatory approach toward Moscow has raised alarms among European leaders.
"I want to believe that the United States will stand by us. But we have to be ready if that is not the case," French President Emmanuel Macron said in a national address on the eve of the summit. In a significant move, Macron also signalled that France is open to discussions on extending its nuclear deterrence to European partners.
Germany’s prospective coalition government has already moved to relax borrowing restrictions, paving the way for billions of euros in additional defence spending. Meanwhile, the European Commission has proposed measures that could mobilise up to 800 billion euros ($862.9 billion) for European defence, including a potential 150 billion-euro ($161.8 billion) loan initiative for EU governments.
While these proposals are expected to receive broad support at the summit, the details will require extensive negotiations. Leaders are also looking to reassure Zelenskiy of sustained European military assistance following his tense meeting with Trump in Washington last week.
However, EU members remain divided over a proposal by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to set a clear financial commitment for Ukraine’s military aid in 2025. Officials have suggested a pledge of at least 20 billion euros—matching last year’s contributions—but differences persist over the distribution of financial burdens. Some Nordic and Baltic states, along with the Netherlands, have criticised France, Italy, and Spain for allegedly not providing sufficient support, a claim those countries firmly reject.
A draft summit text urges officials to swiftly advance coordination efforts on military support for Ukraine. Yet, whether all 27 leaders will endorse the final statement remains uncertain, as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has signalled a possible veto. In a letter to European Council President Antonio Costa, Orban cited "strategic differences" on Ukraine, arguing that they cannot be reconciled.
As European leaders navigate these divisions, the summit is expected to shape the EU’s defence strategy for the coming years, amid growing concerns over security and the evolving geopolitical landscape.