EU Leaders Meet in Brussels to Tackle Sanctions, Tariffs, Middle East Turmoil
European Union leaders convened in Brussels today for a high-stakes summit to address certain issues: potential new sanctions on Russia, rising threats of U.S. tariffs, and strategic diplomacy in the Middle East.
The gathering comes on the heels of last week’s tense NATO summit in The Hague, where allies reaffirmed ambitious defense spending commitments—partly in response to pressure from President Trump. Also attending via videoconference was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring the EU’s continued prioritization of Ukraine despite evolving NATO focus.
One central agenda item is the EU’s 18th round of sanctions against Russia, including a proposed extension of the current price cap on Russian oil—a move that faces resistance from member states wary of driving up energy costs.
Another key concern is trade relations with the U.S., where President Trump has threatened fresh tariffs on European goods, especially targeting countries that lag on defense spending. Leaders debated whether to seek a quick compromise before an impending July 9 deadline or to adopt a more combative stance, potentially enacting counter‑tariffs.
The EU also seeks to reassert itself as a diplomatic voice amid Middle East tensions, calling for renewed engagement in peace efforts—especially regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Internal divisions persist over coordinating policy towards Israel, with some governments urging firmer response to actions in Gaza, and others urging restraint.
Beyond geopolitics, the summit will consider how to balance military priorities with the bloc’s longstanding leadership on climate policy—an issue under debate as defense spending takes a larger share of EU budgets.
With input from Al Jazeera
