European Leaders Convene Emergency Meeting Amidst Shifting US Foreign Policy on Ukraine

European leaders convened in Paris on Monday for an emergency meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting addressed the implications of recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine. Leaders from Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the European Union, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, participated in discussions focused on Europe's security concerns. The meeting follows speeches by U.S. officials questioning Europe's security commitments and democratic principles, and talks between the U.S. and Russia regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. While no firm decisions were expected, the meeting aimed to demonstrate European unity. Discussions also included boosting support for Ukraine and increasing defense spending, with disagreements emerging on how to reach spending targets. Some EU nations expressed concerns over the exclusivity of the meeting, highlighting the need for consensus among all 27 member states.