In the dubious light of the “truce” between Israel and Iran, the barrage of the critical summits start today (24.6.25). NATO and then her Eu.
Specifically, the NATO summit in The Hague will be held today and tomorrow (25.6.25), and on June 26 – 27, 2025 the EU Summit will be held in Brussels.
The central issue in both Synods is none other than the increase in defense spending of their members, with the overwhelming majority of NATO members being members of the EU.
Rutte (NATO): We must fivefold the capabilities of air defense
Yesterday at the first press conference given by the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte said that “We meet at a truly historic moment, with significant and increasing challenges for our safety”said Mr. Route. “As the world is becoming more dangerous, allies’ leaders will make bold decisions to strengthen our collective defense, making NATO a stronger, fairer and deadliest alliance.”
This week, The allies will approve a significant new defense investment plan, increasing the reference point for defense investments at 5% of GDP. This will be agreed together with a coordinated effort to strengthen the defense industry throughout NATOincreasing safety and creating jobs. The emphasis will also continue on Ukraine’s support alongside the pursuit of a fair and enduring end in the Russian offensive war.
Rutte made it clear that the new defense plan will be ‘Decisive importance’ to ensure effective deterrence. While the details of the national targets for the possibilities are secret, the Secretary General called for a five -year -old air defense capabilities, thousands of tanks and armored vehicles and millions of artillery bullets to help the safety of one billion citizens.
Speaking before the NATO Summit Defense Forum yesterday, Rutte urged the allies to work with the industry to expand their defense industrial base, warning that “There is not even enough offer to cover our increased demand on both sides of the Atlantic.” “Investing more and more, we build a stronger NATO” He stressed.
Costa (EU): EU leaders are expected to continue continuing work on the development of defense potential
The next day at the end of the NATO meeting, EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss geo -economic challenges and current developments in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“We will deal with various issues that we need to face together to promote our common ambitions: build a more competitive, safer and more autonomous Europe for our citizens and to ensure that the European Union can be an effective, predictable and reliable worldwide worldwide.”said the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.
European defense and security, immigration, readiness and internal security are also on the agenda.
EU leaders will consider recent developments in Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.
To this end, they will discuss how to further support efforts for peace, along with the partners, including greater pressure in Russia to accept a substantial ceasefire and showcase actual desire for negotiations. They will also deal with Ukraine’s course towards joining the EU, according to the European Council’s announcement.
The European Council welcomes all efforts to achieve a comprehensive, fair and lasting peace in Ukraine. To date, the EU has provided nearly € 150 billion in Ukraine, of which € 50.8 billion in military support.
Ukraine is stable in its efforts to make a real peace process possible. And the EU will remain equally firm in its support for Ukraine.
EU leaders will deal with the latest developments in the Middle East, in particular with the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilize the region.
The EU accelerates efforts to strengthen its defensive readiness to meet immediate and future challenges.
At the last meeting of the European Council, leaders called for the acceleration of all aspects of the work to strengthen Europe’s defense readiness by 2030.
In the future, we must be guided by a collective approach to defense and security and focus on efficient expenditure.
“EU leaders are expected to continue continuing work on the development of defense potential and the strengthening of EU defense industry, as well as the results of the NATO Summit (June 24 – 25 June 2025) for Member States which are also NATO allies,” Costa said.
The interaction between a difficult international environment and the EU’s internal economic priorities, such as the completion of the single market, is more important than ever, the European Council announcement said. Leaders will discuss the geo -economic challenges facing Europe, examining the EU’s position in the world and the EU’s competitiveness in a single debate.
Leaders will discuss global economic developments and the relationship that the EU is seeking with key partners, including in view of significant international summit. They will also discuss opportunities to strengthen the international role of the euro and to deepen the single market.
Immigration and enhancing security at the external border remain key priorities for the European Council.
At the meeting, the leaders will continue the previous conclusions and review the progress in the light of the Commission’s president’s recommendation in her letter.
EU leaders will discuss the situation in Moldova and the country’s integration process in the EU, in view of the first EU-Moldavia summit to be held at Chișinău on July 4.
The EU strongly supports sovereignty, territorial integrity, durability and economic development of Moldova.
Leaders will exchange views on the situation in the Western Balkans, especially in support of the EU in their partners’ reform efforts and their European course.
The discussion is followed by a visit made by President Costa in the area from 12 to 16 May 2025.