EU and UK leaders meet in Brussels to strengthen defense against Russia and address NATO spending

EU leaders, the UK Prime Minister, and NATO's head met in Brussels to discuss strengthening Europe's defense against Russia and addressing U.S. demands for increased NATO spending. This is the first dedicated defense meeting since the U.S. presidential inauguration. European nations have increased military budgets since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but officials acknowledge they need to accelerate their defense efforts. The meeting highlighted the need for a unified approach to funding and military procurement. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attended as the first British leader since Brexit, aiming to enhance UK-EU defense ties. However, unresolved issues like fishing rights and youth mobility schemes remain barriers to progress in their relationship.