**European Leaders Meet in Paris to Discuss Ukraine and European Security**
On February 17, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a summit at the Elysée Palace in Paris. The meeting brought together leaders from Germany, the UK, Italy, and other prominent EU countries to discuss Ukraine and European security.
**Divisions Exposed**
The summit exposed divisions among EU countries on how to support Ukraine and address Russia’s aggression. Experts say that a lack of a coherent plan was a major outcome of the meeting.
**Experts Weigh In**
Several experts were critical of the EU’s response, saying it was not enough to address the challenges facing Ukraine and Europe.
* Federica Mangiameli, defense and security senior programme manager at Globsec, said: “This is the EU’s final call to show leadership. It is up to EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to engage with the US and ensure that any agreement reached serves Ukraine’s best interests.”
* Susan Stewart, a senior fellow at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, added: “Europe certainly still needs to do much more… European leaders need to realize that in order to have a seat at tables they consider relevant for them in the future, they will need to back up their rhetoric with much more convincing action.”
* Pavel Havlicek, a research fellow at the Association for International Affairs, noted: “The meeting was a clear political reaction to the Munich Security Conference… Only some of the EU countries were invited, especially those that are prominent and powerful enough as well as capable of delivering financial support and dedication to Ukraine.”
**A Call to Action**
Experts are urging European leaders to take decisive action to support Ukraine and address Russia’s aggression.
* Federica Mangiameli emphasized: “It is time to honour the promises the EU has made, for Ukraine, for Europe and for all of us believing in a democratic free world.”
* Susan Stewart added: “Even if (US President) Donald Trump is unpredictable, his statements recently and during his first administration leave no doubt that he expects Europe to do more for its own security.”
**A New Path Forward**
As the EU moves forward, it must take into account the concerns of all member states, including those who were not invited to the summit.
* Pavel Havlicek noted: “The interesting decision not to invite all EU leaders was poorly received by the rest of the bloc… Public perception may shift toward believing in a division within the EU.”
* Susan Stewart emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among EU countries, saying: “European leaders need to begin immediately to back up their rhetoric with much more convincing action.”