Macron's exclusive summit stirs tension over EU unity
Emmanuel Macron's decision to limit participants at the summit in Paris raises concerns about European unity, Bloomberg reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron organized a summit in Paris, where he invited only seven leaders of EU countries. This decision has caused unease among other European leaders, who fear for the continent's unity. According to Bloomberg, the meeting addressed defense spending in light of changing U.S. policies.
Concerns of the excluded
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden expressed concern, emphasizing that it would be better if the discussions involved all 27 EU countries. Meanwhile, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar believes that the Paris format might suggest a weakening of the EU consensus on Ukraine.
Hungary, which did not participate in the summit, described it as a meeting of "frustrated" and "pro-war" leaders. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted that Budapest prefers a policy of direct talks with Russia, as conducted by Donald Trump.
The meeting was attended by leaders of Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Also in attendance were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, and European Council President Charles Michel.
Macron's decision to limit the number of summit participants may have far-reaching consequences for European unity. As Bloomberg points out, given the evolving U.S. policies, European countries must enhance cooperation to maintain stability on the continent.
