The EU summit focused on the economic impact of war and the need for new sources of investment for defense. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has provided nearly €88 billion in support. The EU is also looking to invest more in its own defense capacity, with some countries proposing issuing common debt and others advocating using windfall profits from immobilized Russian assets. The summit in Brussels centered around how to obtain the necessary resources, including using windfall profits for military purposes for Ukraine.
An Ipsos poll conducted for Euronews in 18 EU member states found that support for the far-right is likely to rise in the next European Parliament elections. However, pro-European parties are still projected to hold 63% of the seats, with the ability to form coalitions for passing legislation being a key test for traditional center forces. The results of the poll suggest that the political landscape in Europe could be shifting, with potential implications for future policy decisions.
The European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels aimed to raise funds for global needs, which have reached unprecedented levels, with projections indicating that nearly 300 million people worldwide require humanitarian assistance. EU member states and the European Commission announced pledges of over €7 billion to address these pressing needs. Representatives from various United Nations agencies, including the Executive-Director of the United Nations Population Fund, highlighted the challenges faced by women and children in humanitarian crises, noting the continued underfunding of humanitarian appeals.
Natalia Kanem, Executive-Director of the United Nations Population Fund, emphasized the disproportionate impact of crises on women and children, who often bear the worst consequences of conflict, humanitarian emergencies, and climate disasters. With $46 billion needed for humanitarian assistance this year, Kanem stressed the importance of leveraging private sector contributions, such as medicines and materials, to supplement traditional funding sources. The European Humanitarian Forum served as a platform for raising awareness of global humanitarian needs and mobilizing support from governments, international organizations, and the private sector.
Overall, the EU summit in Brussels highlighted the importance of addressing the economic impact of war, investing in defense capabilities, and coordinating efforts to support Ukraine. The Ipsos poll findings shed light on potential shifts in the European political landscape, with implications for future policy decisions and coalition-building. The European Humanitarian Forum underscored the growing global need for humanitarian assistance and showcased the contributions of governments, international organizations, and the private sector in addressing crises and supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. Through collaborative efforts and sustained funding commitments, stakeholders can work towards addressing pressing humanitarian needs and promoting sustainable solutions to complex challenges.
