Headline: EU-Leaders Gather in Brussels to Reaffirm Support for Ukraine Amid Ongoing War; US-EU Trade Tensions Also on the Agenda
Article:
Leaders of the European Union are set to convene in Brussels today, with a high-stakes session on their support for Ukraine and delicate trade talks with the United States top of the agenda. Central to the discussions will be a reaffirmation of the EU’s "unwavering commitment" to backing Ukraine "for as long as it takes," according to a draft document.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressed for an quick end to the nearly three-year conflict, asserting on December 16 that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must be ready to strike a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Trump’s remarks stopped short of specifying whether this would involve Kiev ceding territory to Moscow in a negotiated settlement.
Currently, Russian forces occupy roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory and are making gains in the east of the country. The EU draft conclusions emphasize that "Russia should not and will not succeed" and underscores that no initiatives concerning Ukraine should proceed without Kiev’s involvement.
An EU diplomat described the draft text as a "clear signal to the US," hinting at the anticipated friction during the transatlantic discussions. While unity remains key for the EU, some diplomats have expressed concern that Trump might attempt to drive wedges between member states, echoing his strategy during UK’s Brexit negotiations.
Over lunch, leaders will also address broader EU-US relations, with the specter of a potential transatlantic trade war looming large. Trump has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on the EU, citing insufficient purchases of American exports. The EU, aware of its status as the US’s largest trading partner and close ally, aims to present a united front and emphasize its shared values. Behind closed doors, EU officials have floated the idea of increasing purchases of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) or military hardware to placate Trump’s concerns about the trade imbalance.
Reports suggest that the Sino-US trade conflict and Brexit will also be discussed. The EU will grapple with whether to align itself more closely with the US or China, while also considering how to strengthen its partnership with post-Brexit Britain, citing the UK’s critical role in European security. As tensions rise, Brussels will strive to maintain a delicate balance and assert its clout in global affairs.
