Military conflicts reshape global alliances, forcing nations to adapt their security strategies. As the war in Ukraine persists, European leaders face mounting pressure to bolster their defenses while navigating shifting geopolitical dynamics.
The latest EU summit in Brussels underscores the urgency of these concerns.
High-Level Discussions on Security and Defense
European leaders convened in Brussels on March 7, 2025, for an emergency European Council summit to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and broader European security measures.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended the meeting alongside Ilie Bolojan, Romania’s interim president, marking his first participation in the EU summit in this capacity.
The summit centered on how the European Union (EU) can sustain its military and financial aid to Ukraine while reinforcing collective defense capabilities.
European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized that EU nations must take greater responsibility for their own security, citing recent commitments to increasing defense spending.
As reported by HotNews.ro, the EU has already allocated €16.4 billion for security and defense under its 2021-2027 financial framework, with further funding expected.
U.S.-Russia Talks and Their Impact
The EU summit followed major diplomatic developments between the United States and Russia.
On February 12, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders agreed to initiate peace negotiations.
A subsequent meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh revealed Moscow’s demand that Ukraine permanently renounce NATO membership.
While the U.S. and Russia established a framework for discussions, the EU has not been directly involved in these negotiations.
However, U.S. officials acknowledged that Europe would eventually have to participate, given its role in sanctioning Russia.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the U.S. has temporarily halted arms and intelligence support to Ukraine, prompting European leaders to stress the importance of maintaining military aid to Kyiv.
Romania’s Position on the Crisis
Romania remains committed to supporting Ukraine but has ruled out sending peacekeeping troops in the event of a ceasefire.
President Ilie Bolojan engaged in pre-summit consultations with Romanian political parties to align the country’s foreign policy strategy.
During the Brussels summit, Bolojan reiterated Romania’s position and met with Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party, before joining broader European Council discussions.
Romanian leaders emphasized the need for a strong transatlantic alliance, echoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call for sustained U.S. involvement in European security efforts.
