A meeting of European leaders to strengthen the continent's defenses against Russia was overshadowed by threats of a transatlantic trade war from US President Donald Trump. Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, and his warning to target Europe next, set a tense tone for the summit. European leaders responded with warnings of retaliation and a determination to stand up for themselves. Meanwhile, Trump's pursuit of Greenland and pressure on NATO allies to increase defense spending further complicated the already challenging security landscape.
Brussels, Belgium – The threat of a transatlantic trade war loomed large Monday over a gathering of European leaders aimed at boosting the continent’s defenses in the face of an aggressive Russia.
The tough talk — which came before Trump temporarily backed down after talks with Canada and Mexico — mirrored the message from the European Commission, which said the EU would “respond firmly” to any US tariffs. Trump has made clear Europe can no longer take US protection for granted, insisting that NATO countries more than double their defense spending target to five percent of their total economic output — a goal out of reach for many.
But EU officials concede they are still not arming themselves fast enough as warnings grow that Moscow could attack one of their own in the coming years.There is widespread consensus across Europe on the need to spend more on defense, with Brussels estimating the needs at 500 billion euros over a decade.Key dividing lines revolve around the way to fund investments, whether EU cash should be spent only on EU arms, and NATO’s role.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer was back in the fold — at least for one dinner — as the first UK leader to attend a European Council gathering since the country withdrew from the EU five years ago.
TRADE WAR NATO RUSSIA DEFENSE SPENDING TRANSATLANTIC RELATIONS
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