In a heated discussion at the European Council summit, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte faced scolding from EU leaders over his reluctance to allocate more of the bloc's budget to bolstering its defense capabilities. The issue of whether the EU should issue joint debt to fund defense projects took center stage during the summit, which also saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeking support against Russia's invasion.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Rutte, both known proponents of stricter fiscal rules within the bloc, argued against committing additional EU funds to collective defense efforts. However, their stance was met with disbelief from other leaders, who questioned Rutte's position given his upcoming role as the secretary-general of NATO in October, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Tusk highlighted the irony of Rutte's opposition, stating that "almost everybody loudly reminded Mark Rutte" that as NATO secretary-general, he should be advocating for increased investments in Europe's security. This sentiment was shared by Tusk, who expressed frustration and anger at the arguments against joint spending, emphasizing the collective burden of ensuring the continent's safety.

The exchange between EU leaders and Rutte was described as awkward, with Tusk noting a visible blush on Rutte's face as leaders pointed out the contradiction of his position. Tusk stressed the importance of mobilizing resources and financial support for defense, sending a strong message that Europe should spare no expense for its security.

The debate over defense spending comes as the EU seeks to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. The urgency to address this issue was underscored by President Zelenskyy's presence at the summit, as he sought the EU's backing in confronting the escalating crisis.

While the outcome of the summit remains uncertain, it is evident that Rutte's stance has garnered significant criticism from fellow EU leaders who emphasize the need for increased defense investments. As tensions continue to rise, the pressure is mounting on EU member states to find common ground and allocate the necessary resources to ensure the security of all of Europe.