EU leaders to stress defence, economic strength amid growing uncertainty

European Union leaders will commit on Thursday to do more to make the bloc more competitive with more military muscle in the face of US tariffs and other economic challenges, and doubts over Washington’s future backing in defence.

All leaders, except Hungary’s Viktor Orban, are also expected to re-affirm their financial and military support to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose video-link address will start the summit.

The 26 EU leaders