Aysu Biçer
01 October 2025•Update: 01 October 2025
KOPENHAGEN
EU leaders convened in Copenhagen on Wednesday to address pressing issues around defense, Ukraine's security, and sanctions on Russia.
Talks are focused on boosting Europe’s military strength, using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, and advancing Kyiv’s EU membership bid.
Security around the summit is tight, with Danish media reporting that the security measures taken in Copenhagen are the largest since the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Strengthening defense
At the top of the agenda is Europe’s defense capabilities. Proposals include a “drone wall” along the EU’s eastern frontier and new mechanisms to bolster collective defense. Leaders must decide whether such projects should be led by the European Commission or left up to individual member states.
Another key issue is support for Ukraine. The European Commission has proposed unlocking sanctioned Russian assets for a €140 billion ($164 billion) “reparations loan” to Kyiv.
The plan would give Ukraine an interest-free loan, to be repaid once reparations are settled after the conflict.
The plan however, faces hurdles. Hungary and Slovakia are expected to oppose, while Belgium has raised concerns as much of the frozen Russian capital is held in its financial institutions.
Leaders will also debate Ukraine’s application to join the EU. Currently, accession talks require unanimous agreement from all 27 member states – but Hungary’s objections have repeatedly stalled progress.
The EU’s latest sanctions package against Russia is also under discussion.
It targets financial institutions and energy companies, but once again Hungary’s reluctance could prove to be an obstacle.
Denmark is also hosting a broader European Political Community summit on Thursday. The forum is designed to promote political dialogue and cooperation beyond the EU’s 27 members.
Launched in 2022 following a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron, the EPC brings together European countries to coordinate on issues such as security, energy, infrastructure, and migration.
