- EU proposes 150B€ loan program for joint arms procurement
- France offers nuclear deterrence talks amid US withdrawal
- 20 nations discuss multinational peacekeeping force for Ukraine
- German debt rules revised for defense spending surge
European capitals face unprecedented security decisions as emergency talks reveal deepening divisions over Ukraine support. With US military aid suspended, Macron's call for strategic autonomy gains urgency through two controversial proposals: shared nuclear deterrence and accelerated EU arms production. Analysts note this marks Europe's first serious discussion about independent nuclear strategy since NATO's creation in 1949.
The proposed 150 billion euro defense fund would prioritize drone systems and artillery munitions where Europe lags behind global competitors. However, implementation faces hurdles as five eurozone nations already exceed 100% debt-to-GDP ratios. Germany's emerging coalition signals willingness to bypass fiscal constraints, with Chancellor-designate Merz advocating 'defense-first' budget reforms.
Baltic leaders cautiously endorsed Macron's nuclear umbrella concept during working lunches, though technical challenges remain substantial. France maintains operational control over its estimated 290 warheads - a force dwarfed by Russia's 5,500+ arsenal. Security experts suggest joint financing of next-generation French nuclear submarines could create tangible deterrence value.
UK intelligence reveals Russian forces now fire 112+ drones nightly in Ukraine, exploiting Western ammunition shortages. The proposed multinational peacekeeping force faces Russian opposition, with Lavrov warning NATO troop deployments would trigger 'direct conflict.' Ukrainian officials counter that current ceasefire proposals favor Moscow, citing Zaluzhnyi's warning about front-line collapse without immediate artillery resupply.
Economic analysts highlight Germany's pivotal role as Scholz pushes EU-wide defense investment reforms. Berlin's proposed 'European Security Bonds' could leverage the bloc's AAA credit rating to fund arms purchases, though southern states demand proportional industrial contracts. With US tariffs looming, von der Leyen emphasizes defense spending as economic stimulus - every 1 billion euros invested creates 12,000+ manufacturing jobs.
Eastern European diplomats express frustration over Hungary's obstruction tactics, noting Orbán avoided media scrutiny during closed-door negotiations. The summit's final statement faces last-minute revisions but maintains consensus on prohibiting unilateral peace talks. Behind the scenes, discussions continue about activating Article 44.2 of the EU treaty - never-used provisions for majority voting on defense matters.
