Following the summit, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that leaders realized the effectiveness of opposing Trump in a “firm” yet “non-escalatory” manner.
EU leaders organized the emergency summit in reaction to Trump’s threat of tariffs on eight European countries due to their opposition to his bid to acquire Greenland from Denmark. The crisis in the transatlantic alliance has been a focal point in discussions across Brussels and other European capitals. Leaders convened on Thursday for dinner to draft a future strategy.
After the EU threatened to counteract with trade measures if Trump proceeded with his tariff threat, and with negative market reactions, the U.S. president withdrew and signaled interest in a peaceful agreement regarding Greenland.
Reports highlighted Meloni’s preference for a more cautious approach compared to some other leaders. On Friday, Meloni hosted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Rome to discuss enhanced defense and industrial cooperation.
EU leaders decided to reconvene next month for a “strategic brainstorming” session to adapt to a new global order marked by major power rivalries and a reduced role for international law.
A fifth person familiar with the discussions remarked that most leaders considered recent events as a turning point, emphasizing Europe must act swiftly on several fronts to protect its core interests. They harbor “no illusions that the crisis is over.”
Hannah Roberts in Rome contributed to this report.
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