The European Council will convene an informal summit on January 30, 2025, focusing on defence strategies and the implications of recent US foreign policy under President Trump. This meeting comes in the wake of Trump's controversial remarks regarding Greenland, which he suggested could be subject to US control, raising concerns about national sovereignty and territorial integrity among EU member states.
European Council President António Costa has affirmed the EU's unwavering support for Denmark, emphasizing the importance of defending member states' territorial integrity. Costa stated, "Denmark is a sovereign state. Denmark defines its interests and the European Union will support Denmark." The summit aims to unify EU leaders in response to perceived threats to their sovereignty and to strategize on collective defence measures.
Key participants in the summit will include leaders from the 27 EU member states and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The agenda will address increasing military spending in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the need for a cohesive defence strategy. Costa highlighted that discussions will revolve around various proposals, including the potential for joint debt issuance to bolster military capabilities.
As tensions escalate, particularly with Trump's suggestion to raise NATO's defence spending target from 2% to 5% of GDP, EU leaders face the challenge of balancing national interests with collective security. Costa has urged that defence spending should not be an individual responsibility but rather a collective effort among all EU states.
In addition to defence, the summit will also tackle the broader implications of recent US policies that may affect transatlantic relations. Costa has expressed the desire for constructive dialogue with the Trump administration, stressing the importance of maintaining strong ties between the EU and the US.
As the summit approaches, observers are keen to see how EU leaders will navigate these complex issues, particularly in light of rising far-right sentiments within the bloc and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The outcomes of this meeting could significantly influence the EU's strategic direction and its approach to international relations in the coming years.