Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
"We held the first ever meeting of European leaders exclusively dedicated to defence," said EU Council President Antonio Costa after the end of the discussions of the member states' leaders in Brussels, which lasted until late Monday evening.

In 2022, at the Versailles summit, we decided that we must take greater responsibility for our defence. A lot has already been done. But we need to do more. We need to do it better, stronger and faster. And we need to do it together.

The ongoing war in Ukraine, cyber and hybrid attacks, the situation in the Middle East - all this requires a strong European approach to ensure the security of all our citizens, and to ensure peace on our continent. Building a defensive Europe is an integral part of this project. Today, our discussions focused on three main topics: capabilities, financing and partnerships.

First, on defence capabilities that must be developed as a matter of priority:
We agree to focus on the most critical gaps identified by the member states through the work of the European Defence Agency, in full coordination with NATO. And to focus on the most urgent needs Urgent among them. And focusing on areas where there is clear added value for the EU.
In the discussion, there was a clear focus on air and missile defence for example, but also, but not limited to, missiles and ammunition, military mobility and strategic enablers.
There was another very clear message today: strengthening the European defence industry must be at the heart of this effort – we must produce more of the capabilities we need, and do it faster.
Secondly, we discussed financing.
Member States have made significant efforts at national level. Defence spending has already increased by 30% between 2021 and 2024. Today, on average, the 23 Member States that are also in NATO spend around 2% of their GDP on defence. We must continue in the same direction. The Commission has announced that it will consider flexibility within the new economic governance rules, to allow for more national spending on defence.
We also need European efforts to mobilise more private and public investment. To improve access to private finance, the European Investment Bank has already expanded its activities to support the security and defence industry. More can be done. As for public finance, defence will be an important topic in the discussions on the next EU budget cycle from 2028. But it is clear to everyone that we need to move faster than that.
Other ideas were mentioned . including additional joint options and more innovative options. We will continue to work on them. The leaders also agreed that investing in the European defence industry will not only help to ensure peace, but will also contribute to prosperity and our competitiveness. Throughout the EU, for companies, regions and good jobs.
Third, we discussed how to strengthen our defence partnerships.
The EU’s strategic partnership with NATO is key to ensuring transatlantic security. The two organisations will continue to work together and strengthen each other.
During lunch with Secretary General Mark Rutte, we agreed that a stronger defence Europe also strengthens the transatlantic partnership. The United States is our friend, our ally and our partner. This is a relationship that has deep roots and will continue over time. Problems and differences of opinion can also arise between friends. When that happens, we need to address it, talk about it and find solutions. Of course, while defending our values ​​and adhering to our principles, and without compromising our own interests. These universal values ​​and principles lie at the heart of the international order that we have built together with the United States since World War II: national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders.

We also had the pleasure of hosting the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer. The United Kingdom is our natural partner. Our meeting confirmed that there is a new positive energy in our relationship. There is much we can do together in defence and in addressing global challenges. We look forward to our summit with the United Kingdom this semester.

Finally, let me stress that the situation in Ukraine was very present throughout the discussion. We are steadfast in our commitment to Ukraine’s security, and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. We Europeans have already provided support to Ukraine to the tune of €134 billion – and we will continue to do so. Because we are determined to support Ukraine as long as it is necessary and whatever it takes.
In conclusion: we have made progress in our discussions on building a defence Europe. We are driven by a shared sense of urgency. We are no longer discussing “if”. We are discussing how. Today, we have provided the European Commission and the Council with political guidance on capabilities, financing, and our relationship with NATO, the United States and the United Kingdom. We look forward to the forthcoming White Paper from the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and I will keep defence on the agenda of the European Council. The format of this meeting has allowed us to have a frank, open and free discussion. Now is the time to make choices and decisions. A final word on our next meeting, the European Council in March. It will be dedicated to the European economy – because, as many colleagues have said, the foundation of Europe’s strength and independence is its competitiveness and prosperity.