<h6><strong>Eduardo González/Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, defended this Monday “a comprehensive vision” of the security and defence of Europe against “threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, cyberattacks or disinformation”.</strong></h4> Sánchez met this Monday in Brussels with the rest of the European leaders to address security and defence, with special attention to the development of capabilities, financing through private funds and the EU budget and the strengthening of partnerships with NATO and non-EU European partners. The informal meeting took place at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, at the initiative of the President of the European Council, António Costa, and in the presence of the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting was also attended by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and the Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte. “Today I am participating in Brussels in the informal retreat of EU leaders, in which we will discuss how to contribute to greater autonomy and efficiency of European security and defence,” Sánchez declared through social networks. “Spain defends a comprehensive vision to confront threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, cyberattacks or disinformation,” he continued. During his intervention in the debate on capabilities, Sánchez stated that the increase in defence spending should contribute to reinforcing competitiveness, strengthening EU cohesion, developing technological excellence and creating jobs. He also warned that the United States remains Europe's most important ally and that the Spanish Executive will work to continue strengthening the transatlantic relationship from European unity. Pedro Sánchez also defended “a 360-degree approach that includes the southern flank”, which would add value to the European Union and ensure its strategic autonomy, and warned of the need to address other geographical areas, in addition to the eastern flank, to prevent unoccupied spaces from being occupied by other actors. The president defended the unity of Europe around Ukraine. “We will reiterate the unity of Europe in defence of Ukraine. Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nor about security in Europe without Europe,” he declared. <h5><strong>Meeting results</strong></h5> European Union leaders met in Brussels to exclusively address the bloc's security and defence for the first time. The meeting discussed how to finance the reinforcement of military capabilities, the relaxation of fiscal rules to allow for greater defence spending and the boost to the European arms industry. In addition, the need to reduce external dependence and strengthen alliances with NATO, the United States and the United Kingdom was highlighted. Upon arrival, the President of the European Parliament warned: "If the European Union is not able to defend itself, no one will." After the meeting, the President of the European Council, António Costa, stressed the urgent need to strengthen the EU's military capabilities, with an emphasis on areas such as air and missile defence, military mobility and the supply of ammunition and missiles. Costa stressed that this strengthening must be accompanied by a reinforcement of the European defence industry to ensure that the necessary capabilities are produced quickly. Regarding defence financing, the European Commission committed to exploring new flexibilities in European fiscal rules to facilitate greater defence spending by Member States. In that context, Von der Leyen underlined the importance of mobilising both public and private investment, with the European Investment Bank expanding its support to the sector. In addition, the head of the Community Executive pointed out that cooperation with the private sector is key, and mentioned the need to modernise lending practices in the banking sector, which will contribute to financing the necessary defence projects. <h5><strong>Strategic alliances and white paper on the future of European defence</strong></h5> The heads of State and Government dedicated part of the day to the review and strengthening of strategic alliances, especially with NATO, the United States and the United Kingdom. At lunch with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the leaders reaffirmed that strengthening European defence is essential for transatlantic security. Von der Leyen stressed that the relationship with the United States remains the most important for the EU and that the bloc is ready to maintain a constructive dialogue with Washington, while recognising possible challenges, such as recent protectionist measures, including tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico, which Von der Leyen said could lead to unnecessary economic disruption. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also took part in the summit, which was interpreted as a sign of a “new positive climate” in EU-UK relations. Von der Leyen stressed that Europe’s security is a shared concern inside and outside the Union, and deepening bilateral cooperation was discussed, especially in the field of defence. The leaders also addressed the EU’s continued commitment to Ukraine in its fight against Russian encroachment. To date, the EU has allocated €134 billion in assistance to Ukraine and reaffirmed its commitment to maintain this support “for as long as necessary and whatever the cost”. This commitment is part of the overall reinforcement of European defence. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that cooperation with kyiv, especially in the defence sector, has proven to be key to technological innovation, as exemplified by the development of Ukrainian drones, a technology that Europe can learn to integrate into its own defence systems. Costa concluded that the conclusions of the meeting will provide political guidance for the European Commission and the High Representative, also guiding the work of the European Council in view of the next formal European Summit, to be held in March. President von der Leyen confirmed that the Community Executive will present a white paper on the future of European defence by March, which will serve as a basis for Member States to take decisions in June, when another Leaders' Summit will take place.
