EU LEADERS MEET TO COUNTER PRESSURE FROM RUSSIA, CHINA AND TRUMP

Leaders from across the European Union are meeting Thursday in a Belgian castle as the 27-nation bloc faces antagonism from U.S. President Donald Trump, strong-arm economic tactics from China and hybrid threats from Russia — challenges that have prompted a rethink of Europe's approach to diplomacy and trade.

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"We all know we must change course, and we all know the direction," said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever on Wednesday ahead of the meeting. "Yet it sometimes feels like we're standing on the bridge of the ship staring at the horizon without being able to touch the helm."

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived together, crossing a drawbridge side by side into the 16th-century Alden Biesen castle, an image of unity between the two traditional power centers of the EU after each had publicly staked out different strategic positions.

"We share this sense of urgency that Europe must take action," Macron said while standing on a blue welcome carpet next to his German counterpart.

The session is meant to shape another summit in late March.