An emergency summit of European leaders in Paris on Monday failed to produce a unified response to US-led negotiations on Ukraine, with leaders split over deploying peacekeeping troops. The exclusion of several European leaders from the meeting further underscored divisions, raising concerns about Europe’s role in shaping its own security.
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.
Calling for an increase in EU defence spending, top diplomat Kaja Kallas said Russia was currently investing almost five times more on defence.
The European Union is under pressure to expand the weapons manufacturing industry in response to increased demand as EU countries rearm in the wake of the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Slovakia has criticised Ukraine’s decision to end Russian gas transit to Europe, calling it a costly blow not only to Slovakia but the entire EU. While some member states downplay the impact, others face mounting pressure over energy security amid winter demands.