And on that note, that’s all from me, Jakub Krupa, for today.
Thank you for following Europe Live and hopefully see you again tomorrow as I will bring you the latest updates on Ukraine and on JD Vance’s trip to Greenland, which looks increasingly likely to coincide with a new government being formed on the semi-autonomous island (and one that is not that keen on the US plans).
Updated
Starmer and Zelenskyy react to Paris summit - video
US plans for controlling Greenland are 'serious,' Russia's Putin says
Elsewhere, Russian president Vladimir Putin said he considered US plans to annex Greenland “serious” and worried the West could use the Arctic as a springboard for future conflicts.
“It is a deep mistake to think that this is some extravagant talk from the new American administration. It is nothing of the sort,” Putin told an Arctic forum in the northern city of Murmansk.
“We are talking about serious plans on the American side with regard to Greenland. These plans have longstanding historical roots,” he added, as reported by AFP.
He said that while Russia was not directly involved in the question of Greenland’s ownership, Moscow was concerned that “NATO countries, in general, are increasingly designating the far north as a springboard for possible conflicts”.
Putin’s comments come a day before JD Vance’s highly controversial visit to Greenland (11:45).
Bulgaria offers to host maritime coordination centre for monitoring Black Sea
Bulgaria has offered to host a multinational maritime coordination centre to ensure the safety of shipping in the western part of the Black Sea, as part of a future security architecture supporting Ukraine, the Bulgarian government said.
The proposal was made at the Paris summit by the country’s prime minister, Rosen Zhelyazkov, according to the government’s press release.
It said that the Bulgarian proposal includes a mechanism for “constant maritime surveillance and early warning [alerts] on potential threats,” as well as monitoring of the critical underwater infrastructure in the Black Sea.
Zhelyazkov argued that the new structure could build on the Black Sea mine action group, formed with Turkey and Romania.
'There is only one plan: Ukraine's plan,' Estonian prime minister says
Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal said his main message in Paris was that “there is only one plan, Ukraine’s plan,” as he stressed that “Russia should have no say in Ukraine’s defence and security guarantees.”
“Ukraine wants peace – and proves it. Russia delays and demands,” he says.
He added that “Europe will do its share and remain determined to build lasting peace.”
Conclusions of the Paris summit on Ukraine – updated summary
Key European leaders stressed that it was “not the time” to start lifting sanctions against Russia, as they called out Moscow’s delaying tactics in responding to a US-led ceasefire proposal in Ukraine (14:07, 14:18, 14:29).
French president Emmanuel Macron outlined the structure of a future security guarantee proposed by the “coalition of the willing,” with further support for the Ukrainian army, a reassurance force stationed away from the frontline but offering support in “strategic” areas, and a broader push to rearm and coordinate better among the participating countries (14:52).
French president Emmanuel Macron said there was currently no unanimity among all participants in the Paris summit on sending a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, although he stressed it was not required to advance plans for its deployment.
The French president said that Europe must prepare for any scenario, including one where its security initiative would not be supported by the US, but he appeared to repeatedly suggest that US president Donald Trump could change his mind once it becomes clear that Russia does not engage with his plans in good faith (15:00).
UK prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army, as part of a broader push to offer reassurance to the country, and a new Ukraine defence contact group meeting “to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight” (15:09).
Starmer also repeatedly called out Russia for “playing games and … playing for time,” saying he would want to see progress in “days and weeks, not months and months” (15:17).
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia does not want peace in Ukraine and seeks to divide Europe and America, as he urged the US to take a stronger line and impose sanctions on Russia for refusing to accept an unconditional ceasefire and called for a “reaction” to Moscow’s repeated violation of limited arrangements in place (16:57, 17:03).
Zelenskyy also said the US was “constantly” shifting its approach to a minerals deal with Ukraine, but insisted that Kyiv remained willing and “sending positive signals” on the agreement (16:20).
Meloni calls for US delegation at next European summit on Ukraine
Separately from Zelenskyy’s press conference, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni also offered her take on today’s talks, saying she hopes the United States will be involved in the next European meeting on Ukraine.
She “stressed the importance of continuing to work with the United States to stop the conflict and achieve peace”, her office said, AFP reported.
As such, she “hoped for the involvement of an American delegation at the next coordination meeting”, it said.
Zelenskyy also noted the Black Sea ceasefire is more beneficial for Russia, as Ukrainian export corridors were working anyway.
He also says that Ukraine will put together a list of examples of Russian violations of the agreed ceasefire arrangements on energy infrastructure and the Black Sea, hoping for a reaction from the US.
That concludes his press conference.
Updated
US should have imposed sanctions on Russia for not taking up ceasefire offer, Zelenskyy says
Zelenskyy suggests that the US should have imposed sanctions on Russia when it rejected the US proposal for a full ceasefire.
But, probably remembering the Oval Office spat, he quickly makes a pause there and adds:
Okay, let’s just make a pause and not just tell America, advise America what to do. They have their own people who can advise.
But he points out that Ukraine keeps agreeing to US proposals without changes, meanwhile Russia effectively keeps rejecting it, as it demands late adjustments or introduces new conditions.
Zelenskyy has been giving fascinating insight into the reality of working as a wartime leader, as he talks about the need to have open communications channels with other leaders, as “compared to the country at war, the entire world live at a very slow pace” and in “different realities.”
He says some pertinent issues could be addressed quickly, as he talks about difficulties with getting the US agreement and licenses for producing Patriot missiles locally in Ukraine.
He also takes a slight detour to criticise US envoy Steve Witkoff, saying that some of the things he says “for us, for Ukrainians, they look in a very abstract matter, like from another world.”
He appears to suggest that his experience of being a real estate diplomat in the US has limited application to the realities of a country at war.
But he pointedly stresses the importance of remaining close partners with both Europe and the US.
He then repeatedly says that Russian president Vladimir Putin is the only blockage to progress in peace talks, as he says he is ready for talks in any possible format.
Turning to president Trump more directly, he issues a passionate plea for him to back Ukraine against Russia and offer adequacy security guarantees if the US blocks Ukraine’s accession to Nato.
He also says that the US could play a critical role in enforcing the ceasefire or peace deal, as its military power would make Russia aware there would be serious consequences of breaking whatever is agreed.
Zelenskyy responds to questions on the outcomes of the summit, repeatedly insisting he is happy that with every summit “the position … is clearer and stronger,” despite natural minor differences when over 30 countries meet in one place.
“What unites us is that everybody is in support of, speaks in support of Ukraine, for the security guarantees for us and it’s very important, they are on our side,” he says.
He stresses that Ukraine would not recognise any part of its occupied territory as Russian.
Earlier he also spoke about the need for stronger air defence systems, suggesting there is scope for the US to provide it with more support in this area as requested during his recent phone call with president Trump, but says this has not been discussed in details yet.
Zelenskyy also says the meeting sent a very clear signal that Russia “cannot dictate the personnel strength of our armed forces,” as there was a consensus that having a strong Ukrainian army will be a key part of any future security infrastructure.
He says it is “important that the same attitude is present within the United States,” adding that the meeting “sends this signal to US and others” on this.
On specific reassurance force that could be deployed to Ukraine, he says “there are lot of proposals from leaders,” and “there are a lot of issues, there are fewer answers,” but he notes there are planned meetings that will take it further, like the Franco-British visit to Kyiv later.
Asked directly about it, he insists he is not disappointed with outcome of the summit, listing what he sees as benefits of the meeting, with commitments on future drone production and a clear political signal on sanctions.
Russia wants to divide Europe and US, Zelenskyy says, as he explains progress on minerals deal with US
In his first question, Zelenskyy gets asked about the role of the US, and he says it is “undoubtedly very important.”
He repeats his accusation that Russian president Vladimir Putin “doesn’t want” peace and wants to divide Europe and America.
“His Kremlin machinery has been working it more for more than one year, dividing weakening Europe, dividing the European Union, dividing the United States of America, dividing the united states, states from within, in terms of support for Ukraine or not supporting Ukraine,” he says.
Zelenskyy then gets asked about the prospect of signing a new minerals deal between the US and Ukraine.
He says that the US has “constantly” been changing its approach to the deal, which was originally meant to be signed as a framework agreement first, followed by a detailed one, but now the US wants to pursue a full agreement.
He says there appears to be a reverse process to the one previously discussed, but says that lawyers at looking at proposals, ready to work through it.
“But I wouldn’t like to leave the United States with the feeling that Ukraine is against in general; we have shown constantly our [will] and have been sending positive signals,” he says.
Asked specifically about whether there are any prospects of him making another visit to the White House, he says there are currently no such plans.
Updated
Zelenskyy starts press conference after Paris summit
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy opens by saying that it is important that “lifting of any sanctions on Russia” will not happen until “a fair and just peace” is agreed.
He also welcomes new support packages for Ukraine, and adds there is a broader “vision” in terms of how Ukraine could be supported in the future.
He also thanks France for lighting up the Eiffel Tower in the Ukrainian colours last night, “demonstrating to the rest of the world what kind of support Ukraine enjoys” from partners.
We’re expecting to hear from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy soon. I will bring you the key lines here.
Conclusions of the Paris summit on Ukraine – summary
Key European leaders stressed that it was “not the time” to start lifting sanctions against Russia, as they called out Moscow’s delaying tactics in responding to a US-led ceasefire proposal in Ukraine (14:07, 14:18, 14:29).
French president Emmanuel Macron said there was currently no unanimity among all participants in the Paris summit on sending a European-led reassurance force to Ukraine, although he stressed it was not required to advance plans for its deployment.
Macron outlined the structure of a future security guarantee proposed by the “coalition of the willing,” with further support for the Ukrainian army, a reassurance force stationed away from the frontline but offering support in “strategic” areas, and a broader push to rearm and coordinate better among the participating countries (14:52).
The French president said that Europe must prepare for any scenario, including one where its security initiative would not be supported by the US, but he appeared to repeatedly suggest that US president Donald Trump could change his mind once it becomes clear that Russia does not engage with his plans in good faith (15:00).
UK prime minister Keir Starmer confirmed plans for French, British and German army chiefs to travel to Kyiv to help with planning support for future Ukrainian army, as part of a broader push to offer reassurance to the country, and a new Ukraine defence contact group meeting “to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight” (15:09).
Starmer also repeatedly called out Russia for “playing games and … playing for time,” saying he would want to see progress in “days and weeks, not months and months” (15:17).
Updated
Elsewhere, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen offered her take on today’s meeting, saying the “coalition of the willing” got “bigger, stronger, and very determined.”
She repeated the key lines on supporting Ukraine financially and militarily, keeping pressure on Russia, and long-term support for EU and Ukrainian defence industry.
“Of course we need also a credible deterrence and defence posture in the European Union, and thus we have to develop our own defence industrial base, too,” she said.
Updated
In the Q&A, Starmer also gets asked about French and British nuclear deterrence and suggestions it could be shared by more European countries.
He says “we do commit that to Nato, so in that sense, we are already committed” to sharing.
He also gives a general line that “it is good, in my view, for the defence and security of Europe when France and Britain are working as closely as they currently are on defence and security.”
And that concludes his press conference.
Starmer sidesteps questions on EU-UK defence, security pact to not affect talks
Starmer is also asked about the prospect of a EU-UK defence and security pact, which is reportedly being delayed by a lack of agreement on fishing issues.
He jokingly says he would “resist the temptation to start talking about fish,” as she stresses that “I do not think running commentary has helped in the past on any of these matters.”
He goes into a general comment on his government’s reset of EU relations, saying that “I think it’s fair to say that relations with our European partners are very much stronger now than they’ve been for some considerable period and that is a good thing for the defence and security of Europe.”
He gets pushed on this in a follow-up question, but side steps it once again:
“My strong view is that the best chance of getting a reset that works for both the United Kingdom and the EU is not to engage in negotiations and discussions outside of the arrangements that we set up.
That was tried a number of times in the past, and to my mind, didn’t work particularly well.
So I don’t want to avoid your question, but I don’t want to get dragged into the very thing that I want to avoid, which is trying to have some sort of open negotiation through press conferences, rather than the orderly way that I think is most likely to be to achieve the results we need and actually to be the right thing in our national interest.”
Updated
Trump's tariffs 'very concerning,' but need pragmatic response, Starmer says
Starmer gets asked by the Guardian’s Kiran Stacey about his response to Trump’s tariffs announced overnight.
He says:
I think the tariffs are very concerning. There’s no doubt about that.
He adds that his intention is to engage with industries and sectors to work out Britain’s response, but he stresses the need to be “pragmatic and clear-eyed.”
We are engaged, as you know, in intense discussions with the US on economic arrangements, on a number of fronts, but including to mitigate tariffs.
And we’ll continue in that way, because I think that rather than jumping into a trade war, it is better, pragmatically, to come to an agreed way forward on this, if we can, and that’s why we’re intentionally engaging in the way that we are.
Europe-led force 'designed to deter, send message to Putin that this deal is going to be defended,' Starmer says
Starmer also gets a question from a French journalist about Macron’s comments that the pair are now “co-piloting” the coalition.
He says that “a number of countries” asked the two of them to take a leading role, as they focus on “taking that effort forward and into the next stages.”
But he says it is not about the two of them, but about the group of countries responding collectively, with Europe “stepping up” to this new role.
Asked about the details of any future force that could be deployed to Ukraine, he says it would build on the strength of the Ukrainian army with “a force designed to deter, in order to send that message to Putin that this is a deal that is going to be defended.”
Starmer suggests parliament would need to approve deployment of UK troops to Ukraine
Starmer rejects criticism from Russia, saying it cannot guide Europeans in what they want to achieve.
He also gets a question on whether his plans for deploying supporting forces in Ukraine would require a vote in parliament, replying “we are not at that stage.”
But he goes on to say:
We are at the stage of turning the political momentum into operational plans, looking at the various options, and then going for the next piece of work with the Chiefs of Defence.
But you know my longstanding position, which is, if we were to deploy in any scenario on a long term basis, then of course, parliament should have a say in that.
Starmer is also asked about whether it is realistic to push for a ceasefire, or whether the focus should be on putting Ukraine in a position to enable them to make more progress in countering Russia.
He says that president Trump was “absolutely clear” that he wants a lasting peace in Ukraine, and that is the focus.
But what is different, he says, that Europeans are willing to step in and “answer the question, if there’s a deal this time, why will it hold in the way that the deals in the past have not held?”.
He stresses the importance of political leadership that shows “the strongest Europe in a very long time.”
“If we can provide that leadership backed up by operational plans, then that is the best chance, in my view, of achieving the outcome that we all want,” he says.
'We need to see this developing in days and weeks,' Starmer says
Starmer gets asked about what he sees as the deadline for this operation.
He says:
“I don’t want to put a hard deadline on this, but we need to see this developing in days and weeks, not months and months, and we need to move on to that space.”
He says the focus is on continuing to put more pressure on Russia “to get to the table, to actually negotiate, and be really clear that they are filibustering, they are delaying, and we have seen this playbook before.”
He says that the key task will be to “be ready to operationalise a peace deal whatever its precise shape turns out to be.”
Starmer calls out Russia's 'filibustering' and 'playing games' on ceasefire, peace talks in Ukraine
Starmer opens his press conference by calling out Russia that “over two weeks since Ukraine agreed to an immediate, 30-day ceasefire, that offer is still unanswered” by Russia, with continuing bombardment of Ukraine.
He said that on the Black Sea initiative, Russia “set out new conditions and delays,” saying US president Trump “rightly called them out for dragging their feet.”
He goes on to say:
“We agreed here in Paris today that it’s clear the Russians are filibustering. They are playing games and they’re playing for time.
It is a classic from the Putin playbook, but we can’t let them drag this out while they continue prosecuting their illegal invasion.”
Building up on what Macron said earlier, Starmer says UK defence secretary will chair the new Ukraine defence contact group meeting on 11 April “to marshal more military aid and keep Ukraine in the fight.”
He also confirms plans for French, British and German chiefs of defence to go to Kyiv to discuss how to support Ukraine army in the future.
He sums up today’s meeting:
“This is Europe mobilising together behind the peace process on a scale that we haven’t seen for decades, backed by partners from around the world.
We are determined to deliver a just and lasting peace because we know that it is vital for Ukraine and Europe as a whole, and I am clear that it’s also vital for Britain.
Updated
Starmer's press conference begins
UK prime minister Keir Starmer is also talking now.
You can watch it below and I will bring you the key lines here.
Macron is also asked about Trump’s move on tariffs, as he says he told the US president it was not a good idea and that it goes against Trump’s own demands that Europeans spend more on defence.
He says Europe will have to respond, and laments the uncertainty it creates for businesses, promising to work with the EU to look at how to protect key sectors.
Among other questions, Macron gets asked about Steve Witkoff’s criticism of a proposal to involve European forces, saying his focus is on what Europe can do to itself.
He says “we must hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” hoping the US would join a European reassurance force, but equally know what to do if that is not the case.
He stresses that the US is a “reliable” ally as he repeatedly praises president Trump’s initiative and will to end this conflict, and declines to comment on what others said on TV shows.
But he acknowledges that US and French positions may differ at times, but stresses that Europe needs to be able to defend its own interests.
Macron also says he will speak to Trump again in the coming hours, as he says that if Russia doesn’t agree to the US proposal for a ceasefire, that will give the US an idea on what’s Moscow’s true position.
Macron outlines process for checking legal options, helping future Ukraine army, defining Europe-led reassurance force
Macron says the countries agreed to continue to support Ukraine to put it in the best possible position, as he calls out Russia once again for pretending to be involved in talks while intensifying attacks on Ukraine.
He says a number of countries involved made further commitments of aid to Ukraine, including the French announcement of €2bn aid last night.
He also joins other leaders in saying “the time is not right for the lifting of sanctions,” as there needs to be a final peace settlement before that can happen.
He says that the participating countries agreed to maintain and increase pressure, including on Russia’s shadow fleet.
Macron says foreign ministers were tasked with looking at specific legal questions over any forces supporting a ceasefire, and told to report back in three weeks.
He also notes there is currently no unanimity on sending a European-led reassurance force, although he adds it is not needed to go ahead with it.
But he says there is a broader agreement that any future security guarantees need to be based on three pillars:
a strong Ukrainian army, with a joint Franco-British mission set to go to Kyiv to scout needs and what can be done to support its future army;
a reassurance force, which he says would not be stationed at the conflict line, but offering support in “strategic” areas;
and a broader push to rearm Europe and to represent European view, including its demands in any peace talks, reflecting Russian advances in recent years, including its deployment of additional forces in Belarus.
He says the work will continue with himself and Starmer given a mandate to keep the momentum of the group.
Macron challenges Russian 'untruths' on Ukraine and its evasive response to ceasefire
French president Emmanuel Macron says he welcomes the role of US president Donald Trump in running the peace talks, stressing they are “in constant contact,” and hails the courage of Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He says the coalition’s objective is clear: “fundamentally, to win peace, and to do this, we must place Ukraine in the best possible position to negotiate and ensure that the peace that will be negotiated will be solid and lasting.”
He directly challenges Russia for not signing up to the proposed ceasefire and floating new conditions; he also criticises “stories and untruths” coming from Moscow.
Europe united in condemning Russia, supporting Ukraine, Poland's Tusk says
Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said that the talks looked beyond Ukraine, but also at the security of entire continent.
He said the meeting showed “very positive changes” in Europe over the last few years, with countries united in condemning the Russian aggression and stressing the need to keep supporting Ukraine for as long as it takes.
He also said the participants expressed “identical position” on the need to keep sanctions on Russia and on “the necessary effort to try to keep our relations with the US as good as possible, even if the circumstances are not always favourable.”
“We are all aware that Nato, Europe, we are safer when that cooperation with the US is at the highest possible level,” he said.
Tusk also said that the group of countries that met in Paris will also look at ways to circumvent potential stumbling blocks in its response to the crisis, like Hungary’s continuing opposition to sanctions on Russia.
Macron's press conference starts
French president Emmanuel Macron is starting his press conference after the Paris summit right now.
You can watch it with us (in French), but I will bring you all the key lines in the blog.
Lifting Russian sanctions would be 'a serious mistake,' Germany's Scholz says
Outgoing German chancellor Olaf Scholz said in his press briefing that there was continued support for Ukraine, as he urged Russia to accept the ceasefire offer on the table.
He criticised Moscow for “always adding” conditions to what is discussed, making him conclude that Russia “is not currently interested in real peace.”
Scholz also warned that removing sanctions from Russia “would be a serious mistake,” as he called for them to be maintained and tightened.
“It makes no sense to end the sanctions before the peace has actually been achieved,” he said, adding “unfortunately, we are still quite far from that.”
Starmer says Russia 'is playing games,' hints at push for more sanctions
In his comments, Starmer said it was a “very constructive” meeting.
There was absolute clarity that Russia is trying to delay [peace], is playing games, and we have to be absolutely clear about that.
He says the leaders agreed that there was need for more support for Ukraine “to make sure Ukraine is in the strongest possible position, both now and in further negotiations.”
Starmer also says there was “complete clarity that now is not the time for lifting of sanctions.”
“Quite the contrary, what we discussed is how we can increase sanctions to support the US initiative, to bring Russia to the table through further pressure from this group of countries,” he said.
He says the meeting also discussed further its “military and operational” plans to support any ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, “whether on land, in the air or at sea.”
“What came out was strong from the meeting was so many countries standing, as they’ve stood for over three years now, with Ukraine in this crucial moment for as long as it takes for,” he said.
Starmer and Zelenskyy are now giving their quick reactions to the meeting.
Starmer stresses that now is not the time for lifting sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy adds it is important for countries to speak “common voice” and to “push Russia” further.
He says “everybody understood and understands that Russia, today, doesn’t want any kind of peace,” as he adds that there will be further work on security guarantees for Ukraine “in the closest weeks and days.”
And that’s it – but I think we’re expecting a more formal press conference with Starmer later.
Updated
UK prime minister Keir Starmer has just walked out with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, deep in conversation.
They briefly stop to give reporters a wave, but no comments, yet.
Updated
Paris meeting on Ukraine wraps up
First leaders are now leaving the Élysée Palace – EU’s Ursula von der Leyen and Germany’s Olaf Scholz have just departed – so it’s a sign of things wrapping up inside.
I will bring you their press conferences as soon as they take place.
We need talks, not tariffs, Ireland's foreign, trade minister says
Meanwhile Irish foreign and trade minister Simon Harris issued a statement in response to Donald Trump’s earlier comments on tariffs, saying “talks rather than tariffs is the sensible way to proceed.”
He said:
Ireland continues to engage with colleagues across Europe and the United States on the issue of trade policy.
We believe talks rather than tariffs is the sensible way to proceed.
This week, I spoke again to US Commerce Secretary Lutnick and we agreed to stay in touch. I also spoke to EU Trade Commissioner Sefcovic and I am in ongoing contact with him and his team. I have had conversations with many of my European counterparts.
When I arrive back in Dublin from Lebanon today, I will be meeting senior officials to further take stock.
The European Union wants to sit down with the US and reach agreement on a trade relationship that works for everyone because trade is good for jobs, growth and all our economies. This is what needs to happen.
I welcome that there will also be a special EU Trade Council on the 7 April which I will represent Ireland at.
Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, posted a cryptic update on the talks in Paris, listing lots of European and non-European flags alongside a military-style helmet, a saluting emoji, a side-eye emoji, and thumbs up.
Make of that what you will – but the meeting should be wrapping up soon.
Other leaders – or their teams, more like – also posted social media updates on Paris.
Germany’s outgoing chancellor Olaf Scholz posted a picture of himself with Zelenskyy, adding: “Germany stands by your side – for as long as it takes.”
Lithuanian president Gitanas Nausėda said he warned fellow leaders that “negotiations on Russia’s terms would pose a direct threat to the European security architecture.”
'America is not stepping away,' UK defence secretary says, dismissing speculation on US giving up Nato's top military command
UK defence secretary John Healey has dismissed speculation that the US may be willing to give up Nato’s top military command, the
Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur) post it has held since the alliance was founded.
The defence secretary told reporters that “America is not stepping away” from Nato and that, and as a result, “for me, there is no vacancy. There’s no question that it’s not and should not be an American Saceur.”
Incumbent Gen Christopher Cavoli is due to complete his rotation this summer and a handful of media reports have suggested that
the new US administration had considered giving up the role as part of a wider retreat from Europe.
However, more recent briefing has suggested the idea has been dropped, with the UK particularly keen to ensure the US remains committed and engaged to Europe despite the scepticism of many in Donald Trump’s top team.
When Trump was directly asked last Friday about the speculation he also sounded dismissive though he did not rule it out explicitly, saying the alliance was “gone until I came along” before European members for increasing defence spending. “Nato is solid, is strong but they have to treat us fairly,” he added.
Macron spoke with Trump before Paris summit - media
Back to Paris, the French media reported that president Emmanuel Macron spoke with US president Donald Trump “ahead of” today’s summit with “the coalition of the willing.”
Quoting a source at the Élysée Palace, Le Monde and France24 reported that the conversation took place after last night’s meeting between Macron and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The US is not taking part in today’s summit.
Proposal to automatically give babies mother’s surname ignites row in Italy
An Italian politician has proposed a law that would make it automatic for babies to be assigned their mother’s surname at birth, a step that would mark a rupture with a centuries-old tradition and has sparked a fiery debate.
Dario Franceschini, a former culture minister from the centre-left Democratic party, argues that such legislation would “right a historic wrong”.
His proposal follows a 2022 ruling by the constitutional court which defined the practise of newborns automatically taking their father’s surname as “discriminatory and harmful to the identity of the child”.
The court said children should be given both parents’ surnames in the order they decided, unless they agreed their children should take just one of them. If there was indecision or disagreement, it added, a judge would have the final say.
Updated
German agriculture minister pick withdraws after protests
The conservative pick for German agriculture minister has withdrawn his candidacy after animal rights activists stormed his farm, prompting cross-party condemnation.
Günther Felßner, a farming lobbyist who had won the backing of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU), said his wife was “in fear of life and limb” when activists climbed on to the cattle shed she was in to hang a banner and light smoke-emitting flares on Monday.
Felßner said he would withdraw his candidacy as a result of the protest, which politicians have criticised as antidemocratic. The Bavarian conservative leader Markus Söder called it an “attack on rural life” and demanded a special investigation.
Radical protests have become a polarising force in Germany, with political tolerance for disruptive actions – such as climate activists gluing themselves to runways and farmers blocking streets with tractors – often dependent on the group carrying them out.
Poland suspends right to claim asylum at Belarus border
The Polish government has effectively suspended the right to claim asylum for people illegally crossing the Polish-Belarusian border, after hurryingly adopting the relevant implementing act in a written procedure overnight.
The law, fiercely criticised by constitutional experts and human rights advocates, includes some very limited exceptions for unaccompanied minors, pregnant women and vulnerable people.
The order, made just hours after president Andrzej Duda signed the new law, suspended the right to apply for asylum on the country’s eastern border with Belarus, for the maximum allowed period of 60 days. It can be extended by a vote of parliament.
A government press release accused Belarus of leading “an organised operation” to disturb public order through facilitating irregular migration into the EU.
It said that the irregular migrants, “for whom Poland never had been a target or transit country before,” are told how to “abuse” the procedures to claim protection.
Interior minister Tomasz Siemoniak said in an early morning social media post that the order “gives Border Force officers one of the key tools to fight illegal migration, which is part of a hybrid act of aggression against Poland.”
Denmark criticises Trump's 'escalation' on Greenland ahead of JD Vance's visit
Tensions are growing ahead of US vice-president JD Vance’s visit to Greenland on Friday, after Donald Trump said overnight that “we’ll go as far as we have to go” to take control of the island.
In a series of comments, the US president explained his logic, telling conversative talkshow host Vince Goglianese that:
“It’s an island that from a defensive posture, and even offensive posture, is something we need, especially with the world the way it is, and we’re going to have to have it.”
He insisted that Vance’s visit was about “friendliness, not provocation,” even as he added:
“So, I think we’ll go as far as we have to go. We need Greenland and the world needs us to have Greenland, including Denmark.”
His comments were met with further annoyance among Danish leaders, with the prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, warning that Trump’s interest in Greenland “is not going away,” criticising “unacceptable” pressure being put on Denmark.
“They know very well that Greenland is not for sale … [and] does not want to be part of the United States,” she said.
But turning directly to Greenlanders, who opposed the original plans for a more expansive visit and continue to protest US plans, she said:
“But it is in times like these that you show what you are made of,” she wrote on Facebook.
“You have not been cowed. You have stood up for who you are – and you have shown what you stand for. That has my deepest respect,” she said.
(In a particularly amusing plot twist here, Danish media TV2 reported that US representatives were at one point going door to door in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, hoping to find a family that would welcome US Second Lady, Usha Vance, for a visit, but got a firm no from every single one of them.)
Defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen went further in his comments, saying that Trump’s “very powerful” statements towards an allied country “do not befit” the position of the US president.
“I need to clearly speak out against what I see as an escalation from the American side,” he said.
Search for missing US soldiers continues in Lithuania
The search continues for four US soldiers that went missing in Lithuania on Tuesday night, as their vehicle has been discovered submerged in water.
The operation continues on Thursday with attempts to reach the area. Lithuanian defence minister Dovilė Šakalienė said that the vehicle was located at “more than 5 meters down,” and digging is under way to get to it.
“Our armed forces & rescue services are working around the clock,” she added in a social media post showing the scene.
On Wednesday, the Nato secretary general, Mark Rutte, had told reporters that the four soldiers had been “killed”, adding that he did not know any details, but this was later clarified by his spokesperson.
“The secretary general was referring to news reports that had just emerged. He did not confirm the death of the four US soldiers, but noted that the details remain unconfirmed,” the Nato acting spokesperson, Allison Hart, later clarified.
As leaders talk in Paris behind the closed doors, let’s take a quick trip round Europe to cover other updates.
Oh, of course there was one more thing we needed before sitting down for talks: a family photo! But now we’re properly off.
Updated
Zelenskyy arrives at the Élysée as Paris talks begin
… and with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK’s Keir Starmer arriving last, I think we now have a full house, and so the talks can begin.
Updated
Élysée arrivals - in pictures
The Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever was the first to report at the Élysée Palace this morning, but now we have a big wave of arrivals, with cars coming to the front doors every 30 seconds.
Finland’s Alex Stubb, reportedly very influential in these talks, gets the biggest hug of the morning so far as the pair enjoys a friendly chat.
The stage is set – Élysée Palace
Putin shows he is not a serious player in peace talks, Starmer warns
Among the European leaders expected in Paris, we are going to see the British prime minister, Keir Starmer, who said in a statement released overnight that “unlike President Zelenskyy, Putin has shown he’s not a serious player in these peace talks.”
He said:
“Playing games with the agreed naval ceasefire in the Black Sea despite good faith participation from all sides – all while continuing to inflict devastating attacks on the Ukrainian people. His promises are hollow.
The US is playing a leading role by convening the ceasefire talks, President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his commitment repeatedly, and Europe is stepping up to play its part to defend Ukraine’s future. Now Putin needs to show he’s willing to play ball.”
Trump announces 25% tariffs on overseas cars, threatens with further tariffs against EU
While our main focus this morning is on Paris, I will also keep an eye on reactions to US president Donald Trump’s announcements on tariffs overnight which fears about the escalating trade war with the European Union.
Trump announced plans to impose sweeping 25% tariffs on cars from overseas, days before he is expected to announce further wide-ranging levies on other goods from around the world.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen reacted almost immediately, saying:
I deeply regret the US decision to impose tariffs on European automotive exports.
The automotive industry is a driver of innovation, competitiveness, and high quality jobs, through deeply integrated supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic.
As I have said before, tariffs are taxes – bad for businesses, worse for consumers equally in the US and the European Union.
We will now assess this announcement, together with other measures the US is envisaging in the next days.
The EU will continue to seek negotiated solutions, while safeguarding its economic interests.
As a major trading power and a strong community of 27 Member States, we will jointly protect our workers, businesses and consumers across our European Union.
German finance minister Robert Habeck said “the EU must now give a firm response to the tariffs – it must be clear that we will not back down in the face of the USA.”
The German car lobby VDA said the imposition of these tariffs was a “fatal signal” for global trade, and called for “immediate negotiations” with the US.
French finance minister Eric Lombard warned this morning about the shift in US policy calling it “very bad news and an uncooperative act,” and also calling for the EU “to raise tariffs on American products in response.”
Spanish foreign minister José Manuel Albares came up with a more straightforward response, simply urging consumers to buy Spanish or European-made cars.
But these comments did not deter Trump from threatening the EU with further tariffs, as he said in a late night post that he would impose “far larger than currently planned” tariffs if the bloc “works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA.”
If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale Tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had!
Morning opening: Bienvenue à Paris
Leaders from some 30 countries – not just from Europe, but beyond, including Turkey and Canada – are meeting in Paris to firm up their previous discussions about what “the coalition of the willing” could do to help Ukraine in case of a US-negotiated ceasefire or peace agreement.
Convened by French president Emmanuel Macron, the leaders are expected to hold further talks about the format of any future security guarantee they could offer to Ukraine, but also to coordinate on current issues being discussed in the US-led negotiations, including the contentious Russian demand to relax existing sanctions.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron said “Russia shall have no right of say regarding the support we are providing and will provide Ukraine, nor shall they set the conditions,” as he accused Russia of coming up with an increasingly long list of demands.
He said that European forces could be stationed in “important town, strategic bases” to “mark the clear support from several European government and allies,” but made it clear they would have to “respond” to any attack from Russia.
Macron also pointedly rejected any suggestion of lifting sanctions, saying it was “much too early” to make such decision.
“Ultimately, sanctions depend solely on Russia’s choice of aggression, and therefore, their lifting depends solely on Russia’s choice to comply with international law,” he said.
Notably, the US is not involved in the talks today. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff spoke dismissively about the French-British idea last week, calling it “a combination of a posture and a pose and a combination of also being simplistic.”
The leaders are expected at the Élysée Palace very shortly, with the main event starting at 10am CET (9am GMT).
Talks are going to run for two, maybe three hours, and will be followed by press conferences. I will bring you all the key updates here.
It’s Thursday, 27 March 2025, and this is Europe live. It’s Jakub Krupa here.
Good morning.
