European leaders convened in Brussels on Thursday, March 6, to discuss increasing defense spending and pledging support for Ukraine. The summit follows concerns that the continent can no longer rely on U.S. protection, particularly after the suspension of military aid to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joined the leaders of the 27 EU countries at the summit.
Hungary has refused to endorse a statement backing Kyiv. The European Commission has unveiled proposals to mobilize up to 800 billion euros for European defense. This includes a plan to borrow up to 150 billion euros to lend to EU governments. Leaders are expected to welcome the proposals and instruct officials to draft legislation.