Spoke to EU defence commissioner @andriuskubilius.ec.europa.eu, who plans a videoconference next week on creating 'drone wall' on eastern border. "We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us."

After its aircraft intercepted drones in Polish airspace overnight, NATO sought to reassure citizens that everything had gone as it should. But analysts say the incident raised questions about why the drones were able to enter NATO airspace and the alliance's ability to deter such threats.

Another dispatch from Copenhagen: EU won't confiscate frozen Russian assets for now - but will look at how to use them to help Ukraine after war. Kallas says it's "unthinkable that Russia will ever see this money again unless it fully compensates Ukraine".

"If you don't have a unified voice ... on this topic, we don't have a voice on the global scene. So that's definitely very problematic." European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on EU divisions on Gaza. My report from Copenhagen:

EU foreign policy...

New: European Commissioners are discussing today a proposal to partially suspend Israel's access to the EU's Horizon research funding program following calls from EU governments to increase pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Interesting reaction from @eucopresident.consilium.europa.eu to US-EU trade deal. He welcomes it but adds this: "Let’s build on this outcome by further strengthening the EU’s competitiveness and expanding our global trade network."

U.S. and EU agree deal imposing a 15% U.S. import tariff on most EU goods but averting trade war between two of the world's biggest economies.

"We'll probably know in about an hour. Shouldn't take that long," Trump says on prospects of an EU-US trade deal with Ursula von der Leyen.

Back in my homeland as Donald Trump and Ursula von der Leyen try to seal a US-EU trade deal. Latest story here, with top colleagues: www.reuters.com/business/tru... Keep an eye on @reuters.com for news and analysis from the meeting.

Emmanuel Macron's announcement that France will recognise a Palestinian state in September has caused diplomatic ructions from the Middle East through Europe to Washington. But it did not come out of the blue. Inside story from top team @irishjreuters.bsky.social & @michelrose.bsky.social

EU's Kaja Kallas welcomes Trump plan for NATO allies to buy US arms for Ukraine - but wishes US would "share burden". "If we pay for these weapons, it's our support ... If you promise to give the weapons, but say that somebody else ... is going to pay for it, it's not really given by you, is it?"

ICYMI, our story from yesterday afternoon: EU diplomatic service has outlined options for political action against Israel over human rights concerns, in a document seen by Reuters. (Whether the EU is willing to pursue any of them will be clearer after a foreign ministers’ meeting on Tuesday.)

One more spin for our analysis from NATO's summit in The Hague. 👉 NATO's Trump flattery buys time but dodges tough questions - www.reuters.com/business/aer...

All of NATO, including US, 'totally committed' to keeping Ukraine in the fight, NATO boss Mark Rutte told me after the Hague summit.

Our analysis of NATO's Hague summit: Lavishing praise, playing the royal card and copying his slogans – NATO pulled out all the stops to keep Donald Trump happy and hold the alliance together. The strategy paid off - but largely avoided vital issues that NATO will have to confront down the line.

NATO Hague summit need to know from Team Reuters: Main story below 👇 Defence spending explainer: www.reuters.com/business/aer... Rutte profile: www.reuters.com/world/europe...

Greetings from The Hague. NATO aims keep the alliance together at a summit here by keeping Donald Trump happy. That means agreeing a big new defence spending goal. But Spain says it doesn't have to meet the target. And US military strikes on Iran add more uncertainty into the mix. Preview 👇

Exclusive from @irishjreuters.bsky.social & @humeyrapamuk.bsky.social U.S. urges governments around the world not to attend U.N. conference on a possible two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians, co-hosted by France & Saudi Arabia.

NATO’s summit plan to keep Donald Trump happy: short summit & statement avoid clash with Zelenskiy, who may only get dinner invite back Trump call for 5% of GDP on defence (3.5% on ‘traditional’ defence, 1.5% on other security-related items) W/ @sasilink.bsky.social & @liliebayer.bsky.social

Following our story last week that Trump had told NATO he would nominate a new Supreme Allied Commander Europe: NATO’s North Atlantic Council has approved the nomination of Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich. www.nato.int/cps/en/natoh...

New from Reuters: Donald Trump has told NATO allies he'll nominate a new Supreme Allied Commander Europe, quelling fears he might relinquish a key post that also symbolises US commitment to Europe's defence. Scoop from @phildstewart.bsky.social, me, @idreesali114.bsky.social @sasilink.bsky.social

Scoop from @sasilink.bsky.social! NATO will ask Germany to provide seven more brigades - or some 40,000 troops - to defend the alliance, three sources told Reuters, under new targets that defence ministers are set to agree on next week. www.reuters.com/business/aer...

State of the Union: Delirious. Royal Union Saint Gilloise @rusg.bsky.social are champions of Belgium again after 90 years. Normal service will resume on this feed tomorrow.

25 years ago, Kurt and Associated Press cameraman Miguel Gil Moreno de Mora were shot in a military ambush in Sierra Leone. Shortly afterwards, the #KSMF was set up to pay lasting tribute to his memory and to keep the world aware of the debt we owe every day to brave journalists.

Pro tip for anyone planning sweeping "state of Europe" takes based on various elections today: Wait for the results.

Some clear words from new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the European Political Community summit in Tirana: "We have to undertake all efforts what we can to keep the Americans on our side. We cannot substitute or replace what the Americans still do for us in Europe."

Good morning from the European Political Community summit in Tirana. Ukraine likely the main subject as some 50 leaders gather here. Let's see how chatty they are on the way in with this weather.

Looking forward to being back in the Balkans for the European Political Community summit in Tirana. Do say hello if you'll be there too. Also looking forward to seeing how many senior EU officials will be joining me on the Ryanair flight from Charleroi to get there!

Dutch PM Dick Schoof confirms our scoop on NATO boss Mark Rutte's defence spending proposal, and adds a new detail: the timeline. Per Schoof, Rutte proposes 3.5% of GDP on defence, plus 1.5% on broader security-related spending like cyber and infrastructure. Deadline: 2032 H/t @vreij.bsky.social

Some very different takes on Merz's remarks on eurobonds for defence in Brussels today. Some reckon he said "nein", others (like me) think he left the door open. Partly because he spoke a bit differently on the same topic in two different pressers. But also a matter of interpretation... (1/3)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he's more optimistic about NATO today than he was in February. Back then, he questioned whether NATO would even exist in its current form by the time of the Hague summit in June. Now he says Trump admin has recognised Europe is stepping up on defence.

Just ICYMI, our story from Friday afternoon NATO chief Mark Rutte has proposed a new defence spending goal: 3.5% of GDP + 1.5% on broader security-related spending = Donald Trump’s demand for a 5% target From @liliebayer.bsky.social & me 👇

Good questions - we're asking them!

New from @liliebayer.bsky.social and me: NATO chief Mark Rutte has proposed that alliance members agree a new defence spending goal of 3.5% of GDP and a further 1.5% on other defence-related items to meet Donald Trump’s demand for a 5% target. www.reuters.com/world/nato-c...

If you're into breaking news, come and break it with the best. careers.thomsonreuters.com/us/en/job/JR...

Swedish PM says NATO members are discussing having two spending targets: One for core defence spending - could be 3.5% Another for civil defence etc - could be 1.5% (Which just happens to make 5% - goal proposed by Trump.) As spotted by our Stockholm correspondent Simon Johnson 👇

EU plans to increase financial support for the Palestinian Authority with a three-year package worth around 1.6 billion euros, European Commissioner for Mediterranean Dubravka Suica tells Reuters. www.reuters.com/world/eu-boo...

Ukraine: At today's EU summit, "there was a shared view that no real negotiations are taking place at the moment," an EU official says. Which is of course the kind of thing you would say if you're not invited to them.

What counts as defence anyway? That's what the EU is having to hastily figure out as it plans a spending surge. Great story from @reutersjans.bsky.social www.reuters.com/business/aer...

Big picture-take on today's EU defence White Paper, now subtitled "for European Defence Readiness 2030". Some language notably toned down from earlier draft. But substance much the same - and a clear target date of 2030 for Europe to rearm. With @liliebayer.bsky.social

For anyone getting excited about a "European Military Sales Mechanism" - it was proposed as part of the European Defence Industrial Strategy - a year ago. Here's what it is - or at least what it was then. ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

European Commission to suggest EU governments pool resources and agree on 'flagship' pan-European defence projects, according to draft white paper. www.reuters.com/world/europe...

From the text of the U.S.-Ukraine statement after the talks in Jeddah: "The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia. The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process."

"Stoltenback" sounds like a Scandinavian soft-rock band. But it's a political phenomenon. The return of former NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg to Norwegian politics as finance minister has led to a surge in support for his party. Great story by @gfouche.bsky.social www.reuters.com/world/europe...

U.S. "condemns the radical Islamist terrorists, including foreign jihadis, that murdered people in western Syria in recent days" EU "strongly condemns the recent attacks, reportedly by pro-Assad elements, on interim government forces in the coastal areas of Syria and all violence against civilians"

Perhaps the only nugget of news in Ursula von der Leyen's press conference today: The scheme to borrow 150 billion euros to lend to EU member states to boost defence spending now has a name. SAFE - Security Action For Europe.

The emergence of a new European security alliance - EU plus UK, Norway, Turkey and Iceland? Coalition of like-minded allies - COLA?

NATO chief Rutte in presser with Polish President Duda: "These are uncertain times, and I know some may have concerns about NATO's future. So let me be clear, the transatlantic relationship and the Transatlantic Partnership remains the bedrock of our alliance."

EU leaders meet today for an emergency summit. Ostensibly, it's about Ukraine and defence. But it's at least as much about America. Story with @liliebayer.bsky.social