Macron's exclusive summit stirs European unity fears
Emmanuel Macron's decision to limit participants at the summit in Paris raises concerns about European unity, Bloomberg reports.
French President Emmanuel Macron organised a summit in Paris, to which he invited only seven leaders of EU countries. This decision has caused unease among other European leaders, who fear for the continent's unity. According to Bloomberg, the meeting focussed on defence spending in the context of changing U.S. policies.
Concerns of the excluded
Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden expressed concern, emphasising that it would be better if the discussions were held with all 27 EU countries present. Meanwhile, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar believes that the Paris format may suggest a weakening of the EU consensus on Ukraine.
Hungary, which did not participate in the summit, described it as a meeting of "frustrated" and "pro-war" leaders. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted that Budapest prefers a policy of direct talks with Russia, as was conducted by Donald Trump.
The meeting was attended by leaders of Denmark, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Also present were European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Council President António Costa.
Macron's decision to limit the number of summit participants may have far-reaching consequences for European unity. As Bloomberg points out, in view of changing U.S. policies, European countries must strengthen cooperation to maintain stability on the continent.
