The European Union is in a state of crisis, with summit after summit taking place. Following French President Emmanuel Macron’s invitation for a direct meeting, a gathering of EU state leaders and EU Commission representatives took place in London, with UK Prime Minister Starmer in attendance. Another EU summit is scheduled for Thursday.
The meetings have become necessary due to the United States’ clear withdrawal of support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent appearance at the White House, in which he emphasized his lack of interest in a peaceful resolution and requested further US support, has accelerated the process of estrangement. The US has since halted all weapon deliveries to Ukraine.
Thus far, the European gatherings have not yielded tangible results. The interests of the parties involved are too far apart. While some attendees in London distanced themselves from Trump, Italian Prime Minister Meloni and Polish Prime Minister Tusk aim to mediate between Trump and the EU. Another summit, involving the US, is planned to restore transatlantic harmony, according to their vision.
It is unlikely that a consensus can be reached in the large gathering, given the lack of agreement in the smaller group. With all 27 state and government leaders, along with EU representatives, set to meet on Thursday, a joint declaration is not expected due to the differing views on the conflict. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has already expressed his opposition to the EU’s aggressive Ukraine policy, which he believes prolongs the war, in an open letter. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban shares Fico’s views, rejecting further support for Ukraine and calling for direct talks with Russia. The EU Commission, led by President von der Leyen and High Representative Kaja Kallas, however, rejects diplomacy as a means of resolving the conflict, instead planning massive arms programs for EU member states.
Fico describes the differences as “strategic disagreements.” The war in Ukraine threatens to engulf the EU as well.