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EU summit: Dispute over Israel and arms program in focus!
EU summit in Brussels 2025: Security strategies, Middle East crisis and migration issues in focus. Crucial for Europe's future.
EU summit: Dispute over Israel and arms program in focus!
On June 26, 2025, European heads of state and government met in Brussels for the EU summer summit. This took place immediately after the NATO summit in The Hague and was all about security and defense. The situation in the Middle East in particular caused heated discussions and different opinions among the leadership representatives. Small newspaper reports that 13 of the points in the final summit declaration addressed these issues.
A central theme was the SAFE program, a new defense loan package that provides financing of up to 150 billion euros. The European Commission has thus paved the way to provide member states with funds to invest in areas such as air defense and drone technology. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed the urgency for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. The EU representation describes the agreement as a groundbreaking step to strengthen Europe, as Member States must submit national plans within six months, which will then be assessed by the Commission.
Disagreement over the Middle East
Despite progress in the defense sector, the situation in the Middle East remains a factor that increases tensions within the EU. How Small newspaper states, there is less understanding of Israeli politics. At the summit, the heads of government of Spain and Slovenia in particular criticized the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and called for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. These issues reflect deeper rifts that are emerging among European states.
Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker also took the floor and discussed the challenges surrounding third country issues and the protection of external borders. Amid these debates, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called for a “rebellion” against existing migration rules and vetoed a new package of sanctions against Russia, further testing unity within the bloc.
Progress on the migration pact
Despite the differences in the area of foreign policy, there was also positive news: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced progress on the migration pact. The Member States agree that a common approach to migration is essential. The chapter on Ukraine was well received, although Hungary remains skeptical. The European Parliament is also currently dealing with security and defense policy to further strengthen collaboration and efficiency in these areas.
The challenges facing the EU are diverse. While the increased defense spending and innovation-driven approach to the SAFE program are moving in the right direction, the need for internal consensus on Middle East policy and other pressing issues is becoming increasingly clear. It remains to be seen how the EU will position itself in the coming months.