European Union leaders gather in Brussels on Thursday

This Thursday (20), in Brussels, Belgium, leaders of gather to discuss topics of great relevance, especially the support of . A support text is expected to be published, although Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán should not sign the document. This meeting takes place at a critical moment, where Ukraine’s safety and territorial integrity are at stake, and the union of European countries is more necessary than ever.

In addition to support for Ukraine, the rearmament of the block is another central point on the agenda of the meeting. This issue has been widely discussed in recent weeks, especially regarding the possible removal of the United States from European geopolitical issues. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a fervent defender of rearmament with European industries, seeing an economic opportunity to boost the bloc countries. Most leaders, with the exception of Orbán, are willing to sign a continuous military aid commitment to Ukraine.

At the same time, the negotiations between and Vladimir Putin, after a recent call between the two, add a layer of complexity to the geopolitical scenario. The European Union needs to position itself clearly and united, especially in the face of the new dynamics that may arise from these conversations. Another topic that will be addressed, although secondary, is the economic responses of the European Union to the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, which already affect sectors such as steel and aluminum.

The president of the European Commission mentioned an ambitious plan of 800 billion euros for European rearmament, but no details have been disclosed about the investment. The meetings and reports to be presented to the press are awaited with great expectation, especially at a time when the possibility of ceasing and the end of the conflict in Ukraine is discussed.

*With information from Luca Bassani

*Report produced with the aid of AI