Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, emphasized that numerous details must be addressed before deploying troops to Ukraine.

Increased Defense Investment

However, the leaders did reach a consensus on the necessity for heightened defense spending, which has been on the rise for the past decade.

UK leader Starmer noted that “European nations must enhance both their financial contributions and the capabilities they offer to Ukraine.” Meanwhile, former European Council President Tusk remarked that U.S.-EU defense relations are entering “a new era,” as European countries acknowledge the need for more substantial spending and enhanced self-sufficiency in defense matters.

“Europe has grasped the U.S. message that it must take more initiative,” stated Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, adding that it remains premature for concrete agreements to be established.

German Chancellor Scholz reiterated his backing for the EU’s initiative to activate an emergency protocol aimed at significantly increasing defense budgets, which was supported by von der Leyen during the recent Munich Security Conference. This initiative would allow countries to exempt military expenditures from EU debt and deficit regulations.

Despite rising concerns, almost bordering on alarm, stemming from a recent sharp critique by U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding European democracy at the Munich Security Summit, many leaders were hesitant to publicly distance themselves from the U.S. — a nation that has been foundational to Europe’s security since 1945.

“We must ensure that there is no division of security and responsibility between Europe and the United States,” Scholz declared.

Tusk further stated, “It is crucial for both Europe and the U.S. to collaborate as closely as possible.”