The entire continent of Europe folds like a lawn chair under pressure from trump. They approve a plan to spend nearly $1 trillion on defense including additional spending on Ukraine
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/06/nx-s1-5318674/ukraine-russia-european-union-summit-trumpThe EU backs a big defense package as Zelenskyy confirms talks with the U.S. next week
BRUSSELS — European Union leaders backed a plan to spend more than $680 billion on defense on Thursday, marking a shift in the 27-country bloc's efforts to protect the continent.
The plan includes about $160 billion in loans and loosens debt restrictions so EU member countries can increase military spending.
A joint statement said the defense of "all EU land, air and maritime borders" contributes to the "security of Europe as a whole, in particular as regards the EU's eastern border, considering the threats posed by Russia and Belarus."
Speaking late Thursday, European Council President António Costa said the member countries "decided to invest in priority areas" such as air defense, missiles, drone and anti-drone systems, artificial intelligence and more
EU leaders approved the package in an emergency summit, which was called at a time when the United States is pressing Europe to step up its own protection and Russia continues to wage its war on Ukraine. The meeting also followed President Trump's pause on military supplies for Ukraine and intelligence sharing with the country, after a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House last week.
"A stronger defense also provides deterrence for Ukraine," Costa said. "Ukraine's security is at the core of Europe's security."
Zelenskyy — a non-EU leader who's seeking membership in the bloc for his country — received a warm welcome from European leaders and expressed gratitude for Europe's steadfast support.
"Ukraine is ready to work 24/7 with our partners in the United States and Europe for peace," Zelenskyy later wrote on social media.
