The extraordinary summit of the European Council, which also saw the presence of Ukrainian President Zelensky, concluded yesterday evening in Brussels, during which decisive measures were adopted on two fronts: the Ukrainian crisis and the need for a strategic strengthening of European defenses. The summit saw the approval of a five-point plan for Kiev, signed by 26 countries, while Hungary expressed its dissent. At the same time, the green light was given to the “Rearm Europe” plan, an ambitious initiative supported by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

For Ukraine, the Council confirmed its commitment to support it through a five-point package of measures, designed to strengthen Kiev's ability to resist external pressure. The decision, although not unanimous due to Hungary's abstention, represents a strong signal of European solidarity towards the country in crisis and the will to ensure stability in the area.

"Rearm Europe": the strategic plan that revises the European Defense arsenal

In parallel, the joint press conference in Brussels saw President von der Leyen, flanked by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa, outline the details of “Rearm Europe”: “Europe is facing a clear and present danger, and that is why I have presented to the leaders today the ‘Rearm Europe’ plan to give Europe the military capacity it needs to address today’s threats. It could mobilise up to € 800 billion, and it is about taking greater responsibility for our own security, because the urgency is real. We agreed that with the support of the leaders, the Commission will present before the next European Council, the ordinary European Council in March (20-21), the detailed legislative proposals”.

This legislative proposal, expected by 20 March, aims to radically transform the European Defence sector, making the Union capable of reacting promptly to emerging threats. The initiative foresees significant investments amounting to up to € 800 billion, and signals a decisive turning point in the management of security by shifting the focus to strategic autonomy and greater collective responsibility.

Yesterday evening, the European Council released a note outlining the conclusions of its extraordinary meeting. This document summarises the importance of a coordinated and timely response to current challenges, responding to the need to support Kiev and strengthen internal defences. The note highlighted how, faced with growing threats, Europe can no longer rely exclusively on traditional allies, but must invest decisively in its military and strategic capacity.

The next appointment is therefore the ordinary European Council scheduled for 20-21 March, where the detailed legislative proposals related to the "Rearm Europe" plan will be presented. These developments, if implemented, could mark the beginning of a radical transformation of European security policies, placing the Union on a trajectory of greater autonomy and resilience in the face of global challenges.

See for details AVIONEWS. 

Attached to this AVIONEWS there is the official document (six pages) containing the conclusions adopted by the European Council in its extraordinary meeting yesterday.