London Summit: Europe Faces Its Security Destiny Amid Fears of U.S. Disengagement

An Urgent Call to Rearm Europe

Gathered in London on Sunday, March 2, fifteen European leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer, met to rethink security guarantees in Europe amidst uncertainties over American support. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Europe to “urgently rearm” to restore Ukraine’s strength against Russia.

“We must accelerate our efforts for European defense,” she insisted, emphasizing that Europe could no longer rely solely on the United States. Echoing this, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed the decision of several countries to increase their defense budgets, stating it was time to rebalance the burden with Washington.

European Solidarity and Cautious Diplomacy

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer asserted that “Europe must do the heavy lifting” while preserving U.S. support. In this spirit, the UK signed a £2.26 billion loan agreement with Ukraine, funded by the profits from frozen Russian assets, to bolster Kyiv’s defense capabilities.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for Western unity, and Emmanuel Macron urged for “more calm and respect” after the clash between Donald Trump and Zelensky. The French president stressed the need for discreet discussions to prevent misunderstandings while seeking de-escalation.

A Europe in Search of Strategic Autonomy

This summit marks a turning point for European strategic autonomy. Leaders agreed on the need to accelerate the development of a self-sufficient European defense while remaining committed to NATO. “We must turn Ukraine into an iron hedgehog,” said Ursula von der Leyen, announcing that a comprehensive plan would be presented on March 6.

While Zelensky met with King Charles III at Sandringham House, the leaders departed with a firm commitment to strengthening their collective military effort and building a coalition to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Despite transatlantic tensions, Europe appears ready to take control of its own destiny, aware that its security can no longer rest solely on uncertain alliances. The path to lasting peace will require a stronger, more united Europe, determined to safeguard its stability against looming threats.