French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump are driving Europe to take greater responsibility for its security and economic stability.
Speaking at a European Union leaders’ meeting in Brussels, Macron emphasized the need for Europe to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on external powers.
“The COVID epidemic and Russia’s aggression in Ukraine were moments of awakening,” Macron told reporters. “Now, with the decisions and statements of President Trump’s administration, Europeans must be more united and proactive in ensuring collective security.”
The summit, which focused on bolstering Europe’s military capabilities, was overshadowed by Trump’s recent announcement of tariffs on EU imports, following similar measures against Canada, Mexico, and China. EU leaders warned against a trade war, vowing to retaliate if necessary.
Macron’s call for European “strategic autonomy” was met with mixed reactions. While some leaders backed the idea of investing more in European-made arms, others stressed maintaining strong transatlantic defense ties.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk opposed restrictions on arms purchases, stating, “Security is our top priority. Our partnerships with the U.S., Canada, and Norway must remain central.”
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever acknowledged that Europe had been “a bit lazy on defense,” but said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions had “woken us up.” He urged for a stronger European defense system within the transatlantic alliance.
The one-day summit, described as a “retreat” by European Council President Antonio Costa, aimed to foster open discussions on military cooperation, funding, and capabilities. However, financial constraints remain a major challenge, as some nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, oppose joint EU borrowing for defense projects.
The debate over defense spending comes as Trump pressures NATO’s European members to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense—a target no country, including the U.S., currently meets. In 2024, EU countries collectively spent an average of 1.9% of GDP on defense, a 30% increase from 2021, totaling approximately €326 billion ($334.48 billion).
