EU and NATO Step Up Joint Security Response Amid Global Crises

After EU’s Foreign Affairs Council set the tone with a coordinated push on Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza during its 23 June meeting in Brussels, the NATO Summit in The Hague marked a turning point for Western response towards global instability.

EU Ministers Double Down on Ukraine, Address Middle East Flashpoints

At the Foreign Affairs Council, chaired by High Representative Kaja Kallas, EU ministers and Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha, reviewed the state of military support and humanitarian needs in Ukraine. They confirmed commitment to the “two million rounds” initiative, which is nearly 80% fulfilled, and discussed the forthcoming 18th sanctions package targeting Russian financial streams and hybrid threats. A classified briefing from EU INTCEN’s Daniel Markić underscored escalating cyber and disinformation threats.

Ministers also addressed Middle Eastern flashpoints: Iran’s nuclear programme was highlighted during an informal lunch, with Lithuania’s Kęstutis Budrys warning of a “rapidly closing window” to prevent weaponisation and urging coordinated diplomatic pressure. On Gaza, the EU reiterated calls for a full ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian corridors, and the release of all hostages. HR Kallas noted that discussions on Israel’s compliance with Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement have formally commenced.

NATO Launches Bold Defence Push Amid U.S. Pressure

In The Hague, NATO members made a landmark defence pledge:

• Boost national military and security expenditure to 5% of GDP by 2035, subdivided into 3.5% for core defence and 1.5% for broader security investment.
• Reaffirm an “ironclad commitment” to Article 5.
• Recognise that defence aid to Ukraine (e.g. Patriot systems) can be counted toward national defence targets.

This programme reflects a “transformational” shift, largely in response to U.S. pressure, especially from former President Trump, who welcomed the result as a “historic victory.” While most EU leaders endorsed the move, with support strongest among Poland, the Baltics, and the UK, several countries, including Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Slovakia, voiced concern over feasibility and budgetary strain. Spain notably obtained a formal exemption, pledging to remain at ~2.1%, and triggering friction from Trump, who threatened trade sanctions.

EU Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen later described the summit as injecting momentum into EU discussions on defence, trade, and sanctions.

Brussels and The Hague have produced a decisive two-track signal: the EU is reinforcing sanctions, aid to Ukraine, and diplomatic pressure on Iran and Gaza, while NATO is launching a sweeping defence transformation driven by U.S. demands and European readiness.

The strategic alignment at both forums shows Europe stepping into its security role, willingly or under compulsion. Yet, practical implementation – budget reallocation, defense industrial base ramp-up, and EU fiscal rule reforms – remains a pending challenge in 2026 and beyond.

Whether this newfound transatlantic unity holds – or fractures under fiscal strain – may well define Europe’s security future.