EU to hold historic defense summit to discuss Europe’s growing security role

The European Union (EU) will hold its first-ever summit on defense on Feb. 3, discussing how Europe can take on more responsibility in defense.

The meeting will set the stage for decisions to be made at a special defense-focused summit in June, with Türkiye playing a key role in the discussions.

Developments

• EU leaders from 27 member states will gather at Egmont Palace in Brussels, under the leadership of EU Council President Antonio Costa, to discuss the future of European defense.
• The NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will join part of the summit to discuss further collaboration.

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her team will prepare a “White Paper” on defense during her first 100 days in office, focusing on defense capabilities, industrial competitiveness, and investment needs.
• Key proposals for strengthening Europe’s defense include a European Air Shield, cybersecurity capabilities, deeper EU-NATO cooperation, and reducing dependency in defense supply chains.

EU’s growing defense role:

• The summit will explore how the EU can overcome existing divisions between member states regarding defense responsibilities. Past discussions on an “European army” have been stalled for years due to disagreements.
• Poland’s leadership of the EU Council presidency and Antonio Costa’s push for a defense summit reflect Europe’s increasing focus on defense amid rising threats, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• The summit will also address how to reduce costs in defense industries while ensuring greater predictability and reducing duplication.

Challenges ahead

• Discussions will revolve around EU defense spending targets, capabilities, and coordination with non-EU European NATO members.
• Mark Rutte’s participation holds particular significance, as his leadership at NATO coincides with growing concerns in Brussels about Donald Trump’s criticisms of European defense spending.
• Rutte has expressed support for higher defense spending, acknowledging the increasing necessity for EU countries to surpass the current 2% GDP target. While Trump had suggested a 5% target, Rutte has avoided directly endorsing it.
• Discussions on cooperation with NATO partners such as Türkiye will also be a key focus, alongside broader EU defense integration.