The atmosphere in Copenhagen was defined by urgency as European Union foreign and defence ministers gathered for the Gymnich meeting.
High Representative Kaja Kallas underlined the need to intensify European defence cooperation and maintain unwavering support for Ukraine.
Three central issues dominated the discussions:
-
Defence of Ukraine and long-term security guarantees.
-
Closing gaps in European defence readiness.
-
The role of EU military missions worldwide.
Her message was clear—Europe must act together and demonstrate credible leadership in global security.
Ukraine: Europe’s Priority
Kallas noted that while global calls for peace grow stronger, Russia has answered with escalating missile attacks, including the recent strike on Kyiv. She stressed that Europe, America, and Ukraine want peace, but Russia does not.
The EU has already provided over €63 billion in military support since the war began. In 2025 alone, €25 billion has been pledged.
Additional commitments by Member States in recent days reflect Europe’s recognition that aid saves lives and strengthens Ukraine’s resilience.
“Resolving the continued blocking of the European Peace Facility is essential,”
Kallas emphasized, urging Member States not to allow bilateral issues to hinder collective action.
Expanding Training and Security Guarantees
One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting was broad support to expand the EU’s military training mission.
Over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers have already been trained. Looking ahead, the EU may place trainers directly inside Ukraine once a truce is achieved.
In parallel, the EU’s civilian mission will help counter Russian hybrid threats. Kallas also welcomed Denmark’s leadership in hosting Ukrainian defence companies and encouraged further European investment in Ukraine’s defence industry.
European Defence Cooperation in Practice
Europe is already spending record amounts on defence, but Kallas reminded ministers that money must translate into real capability.
At the June European Council, nine priority areas were identified, including drones, air and missile defence, and ammunition.
A roadmap is expected by October, assigning lead nations for each area and setting concrete milestones.
Summary of the EU’s Current Commitments
| Priority Area | Current Focus | Lead Nations (by October) |
|---|---|---|
| Air & Missile Defence | Closing capability gaps | Pending assignment |
| Drones & UAVs | Joint development projects | Pending assignment |
| Ammunition Production | Shared procurement efforts | Pending assignment |
| Training of Personnel | 80,000 trained so far | EU Member States |
EU Missions Beyond Ukraine
Kallas also reminded participants that over 5,000 European personnel serve worldwide in missions vital to global stability. These range from safeguarding shipping in the Red Sea to maintaining security in the Balkans and combating piracy in the Indian Ocean.
The discussion centred on how these operations could better align with European geopolitical interests. Ministers agreed to review mandates and assess the effectiveness of missions to ensure maximum impact.
Europe and Transatlantic Cooperation
The United States has encouraged Europe to take the lead in supporting Ukraine, with America offering a backstop to European efforts.
Kallas welcomed this approach, saying Europe must show leadership by providing the “lion’s share” of military and security guarantees.
This responsibility, she explained, requires both financial commitment and political unity. The credibility of European defence cooperation depends on it.
A Stronger, More United Europe
By the end of the Copenhagen meeting, the tone was set for stronger European defence cooperation. The push for joint investments, expanded training missions, and greater support for Ukraine illustrates a Europe willing to take decisive steps.
Although challenges remain, particularly in overcoming political disagreements, momentum is building.
The Gymnich discussions marked another step toward a Europe that not only spends more on defence but does so strategically and collectively.
Sources: European Union.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
