Prime Minister Starner emphasized the urgency of extensive security guarantees for Ukraine. He argued that Europe must play an active role in ensuring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially in light of recent escalations. Starner and also French President Macron believe that European NATO countries must take over the role of the Americans, as US President Trump increasingly openly takes the side of the Russian dictator Putin.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reinforced Starner’s position and stressed the urgent need for Europe to rearm itself. She highlighted that years of underinvestment in defense have made Europe vulnerable. According to von der Leyen, strengthening European defense capabilities is not optional but a necessity.
Von der Leyen also pointed to the changing dynamics in transatlantic relations, with increasing signs that the United States might distance itself from European NATO allies. Investing in joint defense projects would not only improve military capabilities but also stimulate economic growth and technological progress within the EU.
A key topic was Europe’s need to develop strategic autonomy in defense matters. Leaders acknowledged that the EU must ensure it can respond independently to threats. This means increasing defense budgets, improving coordination among EU member states, and investing in domestic military capabilities.
The summit emphasized the necessity of a unified EU defense strategy. Leaders stated that national defense policies must be aligned and shared military resources optimized to strengthen collective security.