IRIA News

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European leaders gathered in Paris on February 16, 2025, for an emergency summit to address escalating security concerns and the growing divide within Europe amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. The emergency summit followed the Trump administration’s launch of U.S.-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia, which excluded both Europe and Ukraine.

The hastily organized meeting was called by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris and saw the participation of key figures such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The primary agenda centered on formulating a cohesive European strategy in response to the U.S.’s unilateral diplomatic maneuvers.

Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Europe’s security is at a turning point. Yes, it is about Ukraine, but it is also about us. We need an urgent mind-set. We need a surge in defense. And we need both of them now.” This sentiment reflects a broader European apprehension about being sidelined in critical negotiations affecting the continent’s future.

Transatlantic tensions

The Paris summit was hastily organized after a series of recent events that unsettled European leaders. U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent speech in Munich criticized European democratic practices, migration policies as well as the exclusion of far-right groups from power, a stance that many European officials found hostile and unconstructive.

European leaders were stunned by Vance’s harsh speech in Munich and unexpected U.S. plans to initiate peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, without the involvement of Ukrainian or European leaders. The development came after President Trump’s phone conversation with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Additionally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s suggestions in Brussels about a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe exacerbated fears of a security vacuum that could embolden Russian aggression.

The announcement of U.S.-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia, commencing without the inclusion of European or Ukrainian representatives, further strained transatlantic relations. European leaders expressed dismay at being excluded from discussions directly impacting their security landscape.

Europe’s divergent stance military engagement

A significant point of contention among European nations is the proposition of deploying peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. France and the United Kingdom have shown a willingness to consider such deployments, with France proposing a “reassurance force” positioned behind potential ceasefire lines. In contrast, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain have expressed reservations, deeming the discussion premature given the ongoing hostilities.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated this caution, stating that any debate on sending peacekeepers to Ukraine was “completely premature” and “highly inappropriate” while the war was ongoing. This divergence highlights the challenges Europe faces in presenting a unified front on military interventions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal about his country’s exclusion from the Saudi Arabia talks. Speaking from the United Arab Emirates, he asserted, “If we talk about a peacekeeping contingent, then what will be its size? Where will it be deployed? Which countries will be part of it? How will they be armed? It is crucial not to lose the U.S. in this process in one way or another.” Zelensky’s remarks underscore the complexities of negotiating peace without the direct involvement of the nation most affected.

Calls for strengthened European defense

The Paris summit also served as a platform for European leaders to advocate for bolstering the continent’s defense capabilities. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark emphasized the necessity for increased defense spending, stating, “The most important thing from the meeting tonight is the need for all of us to step up when it comes to spending in defense. Russia is not only a threat against Ukraine but all of us.”

This call to action aligns with discussions from a recent informal EU leaders’ retreat, where the focus was on enhancing collective defense capabilities, mobilizing private funding, and strengthening strategic partnerships. The retreat underscored the need for Europe to become more resilient and autonomous in the face of evolving security challenges.

Complex diplomatic terrain

The exclusion of European and Ukrainian representatives from the U.S.-Russia talks has prompted European leaders to reassess their diplomatic strategies. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized the necessity of European involvement in any negotiations, stating, “There will be no just and lasting peace in Ukraine without the participation of Europeans.” This perspective is shared by other European officials who stress that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue.

The Trump administration’s approach has introduced uncertainties into the transatlantic alliance. Former NATO official Stefanie Babst criticized President Trump’s actions, suggesting that the U.S. is abandoning traditional alliances in favor of closer ties with Russia. This shift has significant implications for Europe’s security framework and its reliance on longstanding partnerships.

As the U.S. and Russia proceed with their discussions in Saudi Arabia, European leaders are intensifying efforts to ensure their voices are heard in any resultant agreements. The Paris summit highlighted the necessity for a unified European stance, increased defense investments, and proactive diplomatic engagement to safeguard the continent’s interests.

The situation remains fluid, with European nations striving to balance their security imperatives against the backdrop of shifting alliances and geopolitical dynamics. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining Europe’s role in shaping the future of Ukraine and the broader regional order.