European Leaders Discuss Defense Spending and Security

In light of Donald Trump's return to the U.S. presidency, European leaders are prioritizing the enhancement of their own security and defense capabilities, signaling a shift away from reliance on American support. At a recent summit in Budapest, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its defense strategies, while German and French officials acknowledged the necessity for increased defense spending to maintain credibility in light of potential U.S. disengagement. The German Defense Minister highlighted the importance of Franco-German cooperation and the involvement of other European nations in reinforcing collective security. Amidst these developments, divisions remain regarding support for Ukraine, with some leaders calling for reassessment amid ongoing Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Estonia's foreign ministry noted that Trump's administration will likely expect greater European contributions to security, reaffirming that transatlantic cooperation is essential for regional stability. Overall, Trump's re-election has catalyzed a renewed focus on European strategic autonomy and defense readiness.