BRUSSELS, Belgium, Feb 03(V7N) — European Union leaders are meeting Monday with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss bolstering Europe's defense, as Donald Trump ramps up pressure on allies to dramatically increase military spending.

The high-stakes summit marks a "triple first": the first EU leaders’ gathering since Trump’s inauguration, the first dedicated solely to defense, and the first involving a British prime minister since Brexit.

With Russia’s aggression looming, European nations are already increasing military budgets, but officials acknowledge they are not moving fast enough.

The return of Donald Trump to the White House has injected urgency into the discussions. Trump has insisted NATO members more than double their current defense spending target to 5% of GDP—a steep demand that many European nations struggle to meet.

Adding to European concerns, Trump has vowed to "quickly end" Russia’s war in Ukraine, raising fears that he may sideline European allies and pressure Kyiv into an unfavorable peace deal.

But it’s not just Washington’s potential retreat that worries European leaders—it's Trump’s outright threats.

Denmark’s Prime Minister is expected to rally support against Trump’s renewed insistence that the U.S. should acquire Greenland—a move previously dismissed but now resurfacing under his administration.

Trade tensions are also on the table, as Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on the EU, prompting Brussels to vow a "firm response" if targeted.

Despite agreement that more defense investment is needed, EU leaders remain divided on how to achieve it.

"It is not a question of if, it is a question of how," an EU official said.

Brussels estimates that an additional €500 billion ($510 billion) in defense spending is needed over the next decade. But key sticking points remain:

Funding the buildup: Some EU nations are pushing for massive joint borrowing, while Germany—facing a tough election—rejects the idea outright.

Where to buy weapons: France insists on purchasing only from EU manufacturers, while others argue for the fastest supplier, even if it means buying from the U.S.

NATO’s role: Some EU members want Brussels to help set defense targets, but NATO opposes anything that dilutes its leadership

After years of post-Brexit tensions, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is making history as the first British leader to attend a European Council summit since leaving the EU.

Starmer will urge EU leaders to increase pressure on Putin, warning that Russia's "campaign of sabotage and destruction" poses a growing threat.

He will also propose a UK-EU defense and security pact, signaling a potential closer military partnership between Britain and Europe.

But unresolved Brexit-era disputes—including fishing rights and youth mobility agreements—still cast a shadow over negotiations.

"There is no beating around the bush—fisheries remain a major issue," said one EU diplomat.

With Trump pressuring allies, Russia escalating its aggression, and Europe scrambling to close its defense gaps, the Brussels summit is poised to be a pivotal moment for transatlantic security.

END/WD/RH/