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Politics
In a hastily convened meeting at the Élysée Palace in Paris, European leaders gathered to forge a unified strategy for their security as the U.S. prepares to engage in peace talks with Russia over Ukraine without them. The meeting, called by French President Emmanuel Macron, comes on the heels of a visit by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Europe, which left many leaders concerned about the new Trump administration's intentions.
The visit sparked alarm over potential U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe and fears that President Trump might cut a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin without consulting Ukrainian or European leaders. This has prompted European leaders to reassess their reliance on U.S. security guarantees and to consider bolstering their own defense capabilities.
A Shift in European Security Dynamics
The Paris meeting was attended by leaders from Germany, Britain, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, as well as key European Union officials and the NATO secretary general. They discussed the need for increased military spending and how to ensure Ukraine's security in the event of a peace deal. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Europe needs both a surge in defense and a mindset shift towards urgency.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany expressed irritation over premature discussions about sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, emphasizing that such debates are inappropriate while the war continues. He also stressed the importance of maintaining unity with the U.S., despite current disagreements.
Concerns Over U.S. Withdrawal
The U.S. has indicated that it expects Europeans to take on more financial and military responsibility for Ukraine's future security. However, European leaders are adamant about being included in any peace negotiations. As Camille Grand, a former NATO official, noted, Europeans cannot be expected to provide security guarantees for a deal they are not negotiating.
Fissures Within Europe
While the meeting aimed to present a united front, it also highlighted divisions within Europe. Frontline states not invited to the meeting criticized Macron's initiative, suggesting it undermines European unity. Mary Elise Sarotte, a diplomatic historian, noted that such selective meetings do not contribute to a united Europe on these issues.
Future of European Defense
The Paris gathering marks the beginning of a series of meetings aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities. Macron has long advocated for "strategic autonomy," reducing Europe's reliance on Washington. With the U.S. potentially shifting its focus towards Asia and domestic challenges, European leaders are under pressure to accelerate their defense spending. Currently, only 23 of 32 NATO members meet the 2% GDP defense spending target set in 2014, with discussions underway to increase this threshold.
Ukraine's Position
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, currently engaged in separate negotiations with Russia, reiterated that Ukraine will not accept any peace terms negotiated without its participation. He emphasized the importance of European involvement in any negotiations and the need for a U.S. security guarantee to deter future Russian aggression.
As European leaders navigate this complex landscape, they face the daunting task of balancing their desire for autonomy with the need for continued U.S. support. The coming weeks will see further meetings and discussions aimed at solidifying a collective European response to the evolving security dynamics.
Main Image:
European leaders gathered at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
Credit: Ludovic Marin/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
Source:
Catherine Porter and Steven Erlanger, The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/17/world/europe/europe-paris-ukraine-talks.html