European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, 100 days into her second term in office, has had her work cut out for her. Rebooting Europe’s industry was supposed to be her main focus, but the war in Ukraine and relations with the US have required major intervention to spur defence spending.
The EU is responding to US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy reversal by embarking on a massive programme to rearm.
Europe must be actively involved in any peace negotiations on Ukraine, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the European Newsroom (enr) on Wednesday. She also pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s comments on Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising Europe’s role as a reliable global partner.
Brussels is readying itself for tough talks with US President Donald Trump over trade. While projecting a stoic image, many are still concerned despite some EU member states trying to look on the bright side.
Calling for an increase in EU defence spending, top diplomat Kaja Kallas said Russia was currently investing almost five times more on defence.