European leaders gathered in Brussels on Monday for a one-day retreat to discuss defense strategy and the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, amid growing concerns over geopolitical tensions and Europe’s military capabilities.
European Union leaders convened in Brussels on Monday for an informal retreat to discuss strengthening the continent’s defense capabilities and addressing the economic and political impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff decisions.
The meeting, billed as a “retreat” rather than a formal summit by European Council President Antonio Costa, aims to foster open discussions without the pressure of immediate decisions or official declarations.
A key focus of the talks is the geopolitical landscape, particularly the EU’s relationship with the United States. Trump’s decision over the weekend to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has heightened concerns among European officials, who fear similar measures could be directed at the bloc.
Trump, who began his second term on January 20, has also been vocal about European nations increasing their own defense spending, urging them to reduce reliance on the U.S.-led NATO alliance. His stance is expected to be a major point of discussion as EU leaders assess their military capabilities, potential funding strategies, and avenues for deeper defense cooperation.
The retreat comes as European leaders seek to navigate an increasingly complex global security environment, with tensions with Russia also weighing heavily on the agenda. While no official decisions are expected, the gathering serves as a crucial platform for shaping the EU’s long-term defense strategy and response to shifting transatlantic relations.
EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will travel to the US and Canada where she will address the United Nations Security Council in New York and the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting organised by the Canadian presidency in Charlevoix, Québec.
The President of the European Council, António Costa will travel to Moldova and Egypt from 3 to 4 March 2025 to engage in high-level discussions on European security, support for Moldova, and the current situation in Gaza.
European leaders’ summit group photo at Lancaster House, London.
Some 47 million Europeans were not able to adequately heat their homes last year, says Dan Jorgensen
The leaders of the 27 European Union countries will come together for a special summit on March 6 to discuss next steps for Ukraine and Europe's security. The Special European Council will take place in Brussels.
Tower Bridge was temporarily shut down on Monday morning after a man climbed the railings, causing disruptions to traffic and river services. The situation was resolved by 12:30 pm, with the individual safely brought down and the bridge set to reopen.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
An oil tanker and a cargo ship have collided off the East Yorkshire coast, prompting an emergency response. Reports indicate fires on both vessels and crew members abandoning ship. The incident remains ongoing.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York returned to Mumbai following a bomb threat on Monday morning.
Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan will pay an official visit to India.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
Two buses have collided in Barcelona today, Monday 3 March which has left 51 people injured, four of which are said to be critical.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
Tower Bridge was temporarily shut down on Monday morning after a man climbed the railings, causing disruptions to traffic and river services. The situation was resolved by 12:30 pm, with the individual safely brought down and the bridge set to reopen.
An oil tanker and a cargo ship have collided off the East Yorkshire coast, prompting an emergency response. Reports indicate fires on both vessels and crew members abandoning ship. The incident remains ongoing.
South Korea’s Air Force chief, Lee Young-su, publicly apologized for a bombing accident last week in Pocheon, which injured 29 people. The incident occurred when fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on a civilian area.
A 24-hour strike at key German airports on Monday left over half a million passengers stranded, with over 1,000 flight cancellations, as workers demand higher wages and better conditions.
Tower Bridge was temporarily shut down on Monday morning after a man climbed the railings, causing disruptions to traffic and river services. The situation was resolved by 12:30 pm, with the individual safely brought down and the bridge set to reopen.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
An oil tanker and a cargo ship have collided off the East Yorkshire coast, prompting an emergency response. Reports indicate fires on both vessels and crew members abandoning ship. The incident remains ongoing.
An Air India flight from Mumbai to New York returned to Mumbai following a bomb threat on Monday morning.
Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan will pay an official visit to India.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment