European security policy

Europe on full alert ahead of Trump talks – three crucial issues to be decided this summer

Three crucial issues for the future of Europe will be discussed over a couple of weeks in mid- and late June. There is great nervousness among top European politicians and diplomats about how Donald Trump will act, writes the Financial Times.

On June 16, the G7 meeting begins in Canada, where Trump is expected to present his plans for Ukraine and possible sanctions against Russia. A week later, the NATO meeting takes place in The Hague. There is concern in Europe that Trump will then distance himself from the alliance.

A day after the NATO meeting ends, EU leaders will gather in Brussels to discuss the strategy for the tariff negotiations with Trump. They will then have only two weeks to try to avoid the 50 percent tariffs that Trump has announced.

A senior European diplomat says that Trump probably sees the issues as closely linked. If he makes a concession on one issue, he will demand something in return on the second or third.

– So we are effectively a social media post, or a comment at a press conference, from a disaster in three existential issues for Europe.

Defense minister skips Ukraine meeting – first time

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not attend when the special Ukraine group of over 50 defense chiefs meets at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday evening. It is the first time the Pentagon chief has not attended since the US started the group three years ago, writes AP.

The Trump administration has distanced itself from the group more and more. The leadership has been handed over to Germany and Britain. That Hegseth does not attend is another strong signal of the same development, writes Politico.

The Defense Department blames a tight travel schedule that makes participation impossible. The following day, Hegseth is to attend another defense meeting in Brussels.