July 18, 2024
European leaders gathered at Blenheim Palace in England for a security-focused summit to discuss various issues including migration, energy security, and the threat from Russia. The UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed around 45 heads of government and emphasized the importance of unity in facing down aggression on the continent.
During the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invoked Winston Churchill's bravery and asked if Europe would stand up to tyrants. European leaders expressed their support for Ukraine as it faces ongoing challenges from Russia's invasion.
Ukraine signed 10-year bilateral security agreements with the Czech Republic and Slovenia, marking the 24th and 25th such agreements that Kyiv has signed with partners. The deals aim to maintain support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.
In addition, Ukraine's government proposed a wartime tax hike to raise billions of dollars in new funds for weapons and military salaries. European leaders urged cooperation against the crisis of people smuggling and shutting down smuggling routes.
Netherlands Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized the need for European countries to stand on their own legs, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Council President Charles Michel were also in attendance.
Despite the serious discussions on security matters, some leaders expressed concerns about the direction of the United States under former President Donald Trump's potential second presidency.