European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged that the European Union may have differences in views with the United States on certain matters, but Washington will always remain an ally of the EU.

European leaders agreed to surge defense spending and voiced near-unanimous support for Ukraine at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, as the continent attempts once again to grasp control of negotiations over the war in Ukraine.

The European Union is insisting that the 27-nation bloc is not out to undermine the United States as U.S. President Donald Trump put it.

EU leaders have rallied around Ukraine and agreed to boost the bloc's defences at a summit, as the US said that talks with Kyiv were back on track to secure a ceasefire in Ukraine.

While French President Emmanuel Macron has talked of the need for “an incredible awakening” and German Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz described Europe as being “five minutes to midnight,” the worry from those close to the discussion is that events are happening more quickly than they can cope with.

The meeting has been overshadowed by the extraordinary scolding of Ukrainian President Volodymyr by President Trump at the White House.

The tariff plan announced by Trump on Wednesday covers various European imports, including cars and other goods. Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, he claimed that the EU has "taken advantage of" the United States by blocking American cars and agricultural products.

Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that his administration is prepared to implement a 25 percent tariff on goods imported from the European Union.

European leaders threw their support behind Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after his spat with Donald Trump sent shockwaves across the world, casting doubts over efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

While the European Union has established itself as a frontrunner in sustainability legislation, having passed a significant number of