Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that a coalition of European leaders will gather in London on Sunday to deliberate on collaborative defense and security initiatives. This meeting comes as part of broader efforts to enhance European defense capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Upcoming Defense Package Announcement
Tusk revealed that the European Commission is currently formulating a comprehensive defense package, the specifics of which are expected to be unveiled during a special summit of European Union leaders that is scheduled for March 6. Addressing the media, Tusk expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions, stating,
“I hope … that this greater mobilization of Europe, both member states and Europe as a whole, when it comes to defense and security funding, will become an unequivocal fact.”
Context of the Meetings
Following a meeting with European Council President António Costa, Tusk noted the urgency of these discussions in light of recent international events. Costa had earlier announced a video conference among European leaders slated for Wednesday morning, intended to provide insights on French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent talks in Washington, D.C. with U.S. President Donald Trump, where security guarantees for Ukraine were a focal point.
During the previous week, Trump’s remarks raised concerns regarding the U.S. commitment to the conflict, as he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections.” Costa emphasized the significance of the current moment for both Ukraine and European security in a social media update announcing the special summit.
In an important development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with Trump on Thursday. Starmer has also declared that the United Kingdom will increase its defense spending to 2.5 percent of its gross domestic product by 2027, a move that underscores the nation’s commitment to bolster its military capabilities amidst evolving global challenges.