Macron's exclusive Paris summit sparks EU unity debate
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, inviting only seven leaders of EU countries. This decision has caused unease among other European leaders, who worry about the continent's unity. According to Bloomberg, the meeting focused on 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 all 27 EU countries were present for the discussions. Meanwhile, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar believes that the Paris format may imply a weakening of EU consensus on Ukraine.
Hungary, which did not participate in the summit, described it as a gathering of "frustrated" and "pro-war" leaders. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto mentioned that Budapest prefers a policy of direct talks with Russia, akin to the approach taken by Donald Trump.
The meeting was attended by leaders from Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Also present 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 significant consequences for European unity. As Bloomberg notes, with the evolving policies of the U.S., European countries must enhance cooperation to ensure stability on the continent.
