EU Commission President: "A Watershed Moment"
Last-Minute Talks Fail with Hungary... Joint Statement by 26 Countries
As the United States withdraws from security in Europe and Ukraine, European Union (EU) leaders have tentatively agreed on a "European rearmament" plan to create a defense fund worth 800 billion euros (approximately 1,248 trillion won) to expand defense spending. However, due to opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb?n, the statement on support for Ukraine was issued jointly by only 26 countries.
According to Politico Europe and the British daily The Guardian on the 6th (local time), EU leaders reached this consensus after an 11-hour marathon meeting at a special EU summit held in Brussels, Belgium.
The 26 leaders stated, "The EU remains committed to providing enhanced political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military, and diplomatic support to Ukraine through cooperation with like-minded countries and allies," and added, "We will increase pressure on Russia, including additional sanctions and strengthening enforcement of existing measures."
Besides the aid already promised by the EU and individual countries this year, the 26 countries said they are "ready to intensify efforts to address Ukraine's urgent needs, including the provision of air defense systems, ammunition, and missiles."
Regarding peace negotiations in Ukraine, they reaffirmed the position that negotiations cannot occur without Ukraine and Europe, and that support for Ukraine will continue. However, Politico pointed out that the military support was promised without specific targets.
Ant?nio Costa, the permanent chair of the EU summit, said, "We have shown that the EU is facing challenges, building Europe's defense, and standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine."
Initially, the EU aimed to include the Ukraine support content in a joint statement agreed upon by all 27 member states. However, failing to persuade Prime Minister Orb?n until the last moment, the position of 26 countries excluding Hungary was released as an annexed document. Orb?n is known for his pro-Russian stance and close ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Additionally, according to sources, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, tried to gather consensus among EU member states to provide at least 20 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine this year but failed to reach a final agreement, Politico reported.
The EU announced a plan to strengthen European defense capabilities through a joint statement adopted unanimously by all 27 countries. Prime Minister Orb?n also supported this. The statement included recognition that Europe will no longer rely solely on the United States for security, stating, "We will strengthen overall defense posture, reduce strategic dependencies, and address critical capability gaps."
The EU has prepared a plan worth up to 800 billion euros to expand defense spending. This includes providing 150 billion euros in loans to member states for arms procurement secured by the EU budget and relaxing EU fiscal rules to enable new defense spending of 650 billion euros. However, detailed negotiations for approval by individual member state governments are required. The Guardian noted uncertainty about whether countries will actively utilize exemptions from fiscal rules.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said, "This is a watershed moment for Europe and Ukraine."
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said, "Europe must accept this challenge, this arms race. And we must win. Europe definitely has the capacity to win the military, financial, and economic confrontation with Russia."
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who attended the meeting, expressed gratitude, saying, "I am very thankful that we are not alone," and hoped that part of the new defense spending would be used to support Ukraine.
However, there are views that it will be difficult to continue supporting Ukraine and European defense with Europe alone as the U.S. withdraws. According to NATO, about 40% of military aid to Ukraine last year was provided by the United States.
At the time the EU special summit was underway, President Trump pressured, saying, "If NATO countries do not pay, I will not defend them."
The day before, French President Emmanuel Macron raised the issue of the "French nuclear umbrella" in a national address. At the meeting, the leaders of Lithuania and Poland expressed positive views on France's nuclear umbrella.
On the other hand, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Europe should not give up on U.S. involvement. The Guardian explained this as a concern that Europe's own discussions might encourage the U.S. to "retreat" from European security. Leaders from the Czech Republic and Slovakia also voiced opposition.
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