France has hosted a meeting with several European countries and Canada to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and broader European security concerns.
The meeting, which included representatives from Norway, Canada, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Romania, Sweden, and Belgium, follows a similar gathering held at the Élysée Palace earlier. Some countries participated via video conference.
The meeting comes amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, with leaders emphasizing the need for a unified European response to the crisis.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed the importance of European solidarity during an emergency summit earlier Wednesday. He welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal to boost defense investments and reiterated the need for European-level defense funding.
Mr. Mitsotakis also expressed reservations about the format of the meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasizing the need for Europe to speak with one voice on the issue.
He noted that while developments in Ukraine are crucial for European security, the continent must not overlook challenges in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.