EU leaders to huddle on defence against Russia and handling Trump

3/2/2025 19:11

European Union leaders gather on Monday to discuss how to bolster the continent's defences against Russia and how to handle U.S. President Donald

Trump after his decision to impose tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China.



At a royal palace-turned-conference centre in Brussels, the leaders of the EU's 27 nations will also lunch with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and dine with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.



Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council of EU leaders, has billed the one-day gathering as a "retreat" devoted to defence policy rather than a formal summit, aiming for an open discussion without any official declaration or decisions. The first session focuses on geopolitics and relations with the

United States, meaning Trump's sweeping weekend move on tariffs is certain to come up – particularly as EU officials fear they may soon face similar measures.