**Europe Faces Historic Crossroads as Defence Summit Approaches**

Amid rising concerns over US military support for Ukraine, President Macron emphasizes Europe’s urgent need for unity and self-reliance.

European leaders are converging in Brussels for an urgent council focused on defence, with France's President Emmanuel Macron asserting that Europe stands at a pivotal juncture. The summit's agenda will prioritize reevaluating military support for Ukraine, particularly following recent announcements from US President Donald Trump to suspend aid, as well as a decline in intelligence sharing that has left many European countries unsettled.

The tensions in Europe intensified following President Trump's confrontational meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, leading to concerns about the US's unwavering support against Russian aggression now that three years have passed since the onset of the conflict. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, European officials are gathering to chart a new course in securing their collective future.

During a recent address, President Macron indicated France's willingness to discuss extending its nuclear umbrella to safeguard its allies, reflecting deepening concerns over security threats. There is a growing consensus among European leaders that the continent faces unprecedented dangers requiring immediate attention and a decisive response. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, echoed this sentiment, calling the moment a defining one for both Ukraine and European security.

In a notable move, von der Leyen announced the "ReArm Europe" initiative aimed at transforming Europe's defence capabilities. This unprecedented package proposes measures such as increasing national deficits to fund defence expenditure, redirecting budgets from cohesion policies to military needs, and facilitating joint procurement processes for shared resources. The plan has the potential to unlock an estimated €800 billion for European defence initiatives.

While several leaders support this mobilization, including Poland’s Donald Tusk who calls it a "fundamental shift," dissent persists. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's recent statements highlight a rift in approach, calling the EU's militaristic stance "unrealistic" and asserting his preference for diplomacy over military engagement.

In a strategic move to build consensus, Macron extended a dinner invitation to Orban prior to the summit, emphasizing the necessity for Europe to unite independently of both Washington and Moscow. With urgent discussions on the need for a capable European defence force looming, Macron has vowed that the coming days will lead to "decisive steps" positioning Europe as ready to defend itself.

As tensions within Europe simmer, the stakes at the Brussels summit could reshape the continent's security posture for years to come.