BRUSSELS, Mar 7 (Alliance News): European leaders have pledged to increase defence spending and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, as concerns grow over Russia’s aggression and the uncertainty surrounding US security commitments under Donald Trump’s changing policies.
During a defence summit in Brussels, EU leaders backed proposals to allow fiscal flexibility on military expenditures and jointly borrow up to €150 billion ($160 billion) for defence.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that Europe must “win this arms race” to counter any future threats from Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the need for Europe to develop autonomous defence capabilities, while Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for continued US support despite growing concerns over Washington’s stance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the summit, urging leaders to back a proposed truce in the air and at sea to test Russia’s willingness to negotiate peace.
The discussions also touched on France’s nuclear deterrence, with some European nations expressing cautious interest in extending its protection to EU allies.
However, uncertainty looms as Trump has questioned NATO’s collective defence and signaled a shift in US foreign policy.
Amid these concerns, Germany has agreed to lift borrowing limits for defence funding, and Norway announced a significant increase in military aid to Ukraine while boosting its own defence budget.
