European leaders have found themselves entering a new era of hostile hostility with less cooperation from the US, greater threats from Russia, Ukraine's increasingly uncertain outlook. On Thursday, they gather in Brussels to try and figure out what to do about it.
They need to walk along fine lines. They support Ukraine, strengthen their own defenses, and avoid further alienating their fierce allies in Washington.
The specially called and expected gathering includes heads of state or government of the European Union's 27 member states, and is the latest in a series of swiftly arranged summits focusing on defense.
They are expected to discuss ways to fund the ramp-up of European military spending, hoping to better arm the continent to deal with Russia without backup from the entire Atlantic. They will also review what Ukraine's peace plan looks like and how they can support it.
In a sense, the conference marks the beginning of a new chapter in the European Union. Created to nurture cooperation and peace, the bloc, even among its allies, is forced to reflect on its role in a world struggling with conflict and hostility.
The pressing question is whether the EU's clunky structure focused on consensus will allow him to adapt quickly enough to ensure that Europe is not left behind as Trump rapidly changes the global order.
“There's clearly a sense of Europe needs to be prepared for the worst in these times,” said Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, a senior fellow at Brugel, a Brussels-based think tank.
Less than two months later, President Trump changed the game in regards to European security. He demanded rapid peace in Ukraine, and cast President Volodimia Zelensky publicly into negotiations by halting aid to the country where he fought. He began consultations with Russia without directly involved in Europe or Ukraine.
He also argues that European countries are spending more on their defenses and accusing members of North Atlantic Treaty agencies of their inability to protect themselves in a “unfair” system.
That one-two punch – and last week's disastrous meeting between Trump and Zelensky forced European leaders to move with new urgency.
In the wake of a meltdown between the two leaders, Zelensky provided a series of actions on Tuesday that he said could end the war to appease Trump. He did so after several days of counseling from French and British leaders, but the outreach seemed well received by Trump, but what will happen next remains unknown.
The UK and France have shown an willingness to send troops as peacekeepers if a deal is reached, but they have questioned exactly how many countries will participate in what British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer calls the “coalition of will.”
It is also not clear how the EU will support such a coalition. What's clear is that the block wants to take part in the conversation as the future of the continent has been decided.
On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron said he would talk to European allies about the possibility of using French nuclear deterrent to protect the continent in the wake of a threat from Russia.
One indication that Europe appears to be gathering further is that some countries not in the bloc, including the UK, Norway and Turkey, will be explained by EU officials after meeting Thursday.
Zelensky said he was invited to and will be attending the rally, and Zelensky's office declined to comment on future meetings.
Officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal issues.
Despite increased cooperation between nations, the Bloc continues to struggle to speak to one voice in Ukraine, the moment Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban speaks out in support of Trump and disagreements with his European colleagues over Ukraine.
EU officials are discussing further aid in Ukraine, but plans to give it fresh money are unlikely to be finalized on Thursday, according to a senior EU diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the internal plans.
Also, Thursday's discussion is expected to focus on how Europe as a whole better protects itself, beyond Ukraine's light form.
In particular, the leader is expected to speak about the new plans announced this week by EU executive director Ursula von der Reyen.
What she calls the proposal to “reregister” Europe will create a 150 billion euro loan programme for defence investments, making EU budget rules more flexible and allowing the country to invest more without violating strict deficit rules. Overall, the authorities estimate that 800 billion euros will help increase security spending.
When she announced the proposal Tuesday, von der Leyen pointed out the imports: “We live in the most important and dangerous times.”
