Brussels (Eurotoday) – European Union leaders will gather in Belgium on February 3 for a defence “retreat” involving the UK Prime Minister and NATO’s Secretary General.
European Council President Antonio Costa issued a letter inviting EU leaders of state and government to the discussions at Limont Castle, stating:
“Europe needs to assume greater responsibility for its defence.”
“I believe we share a parallel review of the threats Europe is confronting,” Costa told member nations.
He emphasized,
“Peace in Europe relies on Ukraine succeeding a comprehensive, just and lasting peace,”
while warning that the geopolitical outlook for the EU would “remain difficult in the foreseeable future.”
EU Council President Costa had officially invited UK PM Keir Starmer last month to join the February meeting. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will also attend to
“examine the most demanding defence-related issues, in particular our support for Ukraine, as well as EU-NATO collaboration,”
Costa explained.
“We have a shared interest in doing more and better at the European level,”
he added in his letter to EU leaders.
Additionally, Costa confirmed that PM Starmer would take part in a working dinner — his first session with all 27 EU leaders. This dinner aims to lay the groundwork for a broader EU-UK meeting set to occur later this year.
“The UK is a critical partner for the European Union, especially in the area of defence,”
Costa underscored.
The February session will feed into a planned white paper on the future of European security, with the topic expected to be revisited at an EU leaders’ meeting in June, Costa noted.
This initiative reflects Costa’s leadership style — fostering dialogue, cooperation, and bolstering the EU’s global standing. Discussions will cover various pressing matters, including Ukraine, energy security, and strategies to enhance EU resilience in light of ongoing challenges. Costa’s invitation demonstrates his dedication to ensuring all EU member states play an active role in shaping the bloc’s future and collectively addressing its pressing issues.
Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper providing independent and unique coverage of international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide lens, Eurotoday explores EU politics and policies, significant developments in member states, and the broader international agenda from a European perspective.
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