On February 4, 2025, the European Union (EU) convened an informal summit focused exclusively on defense.

This summit was notable as it marked the first time the EU dedicated an entire meeting to defense issues.

The primary aim of the summit was to discuss how Europe could potentially defend itself without relying on the United States.

Discussions centered around equipping national armies to address threats, particularly those posed by Russia and the potential influence of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

EU Council President António Costa emphasized the need for Europe to enhance its defense capabilities, insisting that it must be 'better, faster, and stronger.'

To support these initiatives, creative financing ideas were explored to bolster defense efforts across Europe.