BRUSSELS: Leaders of the European Union’s 27 member states convened in Brussels on Thursday for a pivotal summit focused on escalating sanctions against Russia, looming US trade tariffs, and an increasingly fragmented stance on the Middle East.
The high-level meeting comes on the heels of a tense NATO summit, where European leaders committed to a sharp rise in defence spending amid renewed pressure from US President Donald Trump. While public statements papered over rifts, tensions remain high — especially as Trump ramped up threats of fresh tariffs against EU member states, lashing out at countries like Spain over military spending.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to address the EU gathering via videoconference, having already met Trump earlier this week. Despite NATO’s apparent downgrading of Ukraine’s priority status in its latest strategic outlook, the EU continues to see Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine as a central concern.
The summit is expected to weigh proposals for an 18th round of sanctions targeting Russia, including potential adjustments to the oil price cap — a move some nations fear could destabilize already volatile energy markets across Europe.
Trade remains another flashpoint. With the EU responsible for negotiating trade deals on behalf of all member states, Trump’s repeated tariff threats are creating anxiety across European capitals. France has accused the US president of triggering an unnecessary trade war with longstanding allies, while Germany is reportedly pushing for de-escalation behind the scenes.
Middle East policy is proving even more divisive. As the Israel-Gaza conflict drags on and tensions with Iran heighten, the bloc is struggling to maintain a unified stance. While some EU members push for renewed diplomacy with Tehran — particularly concerning its nuclear ambitions — others are wary of appearing conciliatory amid US and Israeli pressure.
A major source of internal EU disagreement is policy toward Israel. Several nations, particularly in the south and west of Europe, have voiced concern over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, while others remain firmly aligned with Washington’s approach. These divides are expected to surface during the summit’s private deliberations.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is facing criticism from progressive parties over what they call her “climate backslide.” Her shift in emphasis from green leadership to military investment has sparked a backlash among climate-focused constituencies, just as Europe enters a politically sensitive period ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections.
Despite the growing list of global concerns, EU diplomats insist the summit is not just about reacting to crises, but also about shaping long-term strategy. The conclusions to be issued at the end of the meeting will serve as a policy compass for the bloc over the next four months — touching on defence, diplomacy, trade, and climate.
As Europe braces for the uncertain months ahead, the Brussels summit is likely to be remembered less for consensus and more for revealing the depth of fault lines within the continent’s leadership.
