Leaders from both northern and southern Europe gathered at a North-South summit in Inari to discuss the need for increased investment in defense to combat the ongoing threat from Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of bolstering defense capabilities to prevent war and protect European security. The European Defence Agency’s 2023 report revealed a record €279 billion in defense spending, with many countries increasing their budgets, particularly those bordering Russia.
Discussions also touched on the upcoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and increase NATO allies’ defense spending. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stressed the importance of continuing to support Ukraine and waiting to see how Trump’s policies towards the country unfold.
Overall, the summit highlighted the growing concerns about Russian aggression and the need for collective action to strengthen European security. As threats to security vary across regions, leaders emphasized the importance of working together to address these challenges. Increased defense spending and a unified approach were seen as key to safeguarding the EU against potential conflicts.
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