EU summit: Focus on the dispute over Israel and armaments program!

EU summit: Focus on the dispute over Israel and armaments program!

Wieden, Österreich - On June 26, 2025, the European heads of state and government met for the EU summer summit in Brussels. This took place in the Hague immediately after the NATO summit and was all about security and defense. In particular, the situation in the Middle East caused heated discussions and different opinions among leadership. Kleine Zeitung reports that 13 of the points in the final declaration of the summit dealt with these topics.

A central topic was the safe program, a new defense loan package, which provides financing of up to 150 billion euros. The European Commission has thus paved the way to provide Member States with funds for investments in areas such as air defense and drone technology. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the urgency that Europe had to assume more responsibility for its own security. The EU representation refers to the statement to strengthen European Member States have to submit national plans within six months, which are then assessed by the Commission.

disagreement about the Middle East

Despite the progress in the defense area, the situation in the Middle East remains a factor that reinforces tensions within the EU. As Small newspaper , there is less understanding of Israeli politics. The heads of government of Spain and Slovenia in particular criticized the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza at the summit and called for an armistice and the release of all hostages. These topics reflect deeper trenches that arise among the European countries.

Austria's Chancellor Christian Stocker also spoke and addressed the challenges of third -country countries and the protection of the external borders. In the midst of these debates, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called for a "rebellion" against existing migration rules and exhibited his veto against a new sanction package against Russia, which further puts unity within the Union.

progress in the migration pact

Despite the differences in the field of foreign policy, there was also positive news: the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced progress in the migration pact. The Member States agree that a common approach to migration is indispensable. The chapter on Ukraine met with broad encouragement, even if Hungary remains skeptical. The European Parliament is also currently concerned with the collaboration and defense policy in these areas strengthen.