PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone conversation shortly before Macron welcomed European leaders gathered in Paris to discuss pressing security issues.

According to a statement from the French president’s office, the “candid discussion” lasted for 20 minutes.

This call comes at a time when European leaders are urgently seeking a coordinated approach to address the challenges arising from Trump’s upcoming second term. A key issue is his plans for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the termination of the conflict in Ukraine. Many European nations are concerned that they may be sidelined in negotiations where they have significant interests.

Leaders from Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Poland, and the Netherlands, including Olaf Scholz, Giorgia Meloni, Pedro Sánchez, Keir Starmer, Mette Frederiksen, Donald Tusk, and Dick Schoof, convened in Paris for what French officials have termed an “informal gathering.” Notable attendees also include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President António Costa, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Prior to the meeting, Tusk urged European nations to significantly boost their defense budgets to address the continent’s security requirements, especially with Washington seemingly preparing to reduce its military engagements in Europe.