During a 12-hour summit, European Union leaders were unable to reach any critical decisions concerning the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, highlighting the EU's struggles to assert leadership on the international stage. Politico noted that the inability of prominent leaders such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, along with their 24 colleagues, was characterized by infighting and empty rhetoric rather than actionable outcomes. The chairman of the European Council, António Costa, emphasized the necessity of adhering to an international rules-based order during times of unrest, warning that the alternative could lead to chaos and further wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, Politico remarked that this statement encapsulated the depth of the summit’s stagnation, suggesting that no substantial agreements or plans emerged from the discussions, leaving the EU's capability to respond effectively to crises under scrutiny. This inability to respond decisively has broader implications for the EU's role in global governance, especially as tensions escalate in both Ukraine and the Middle East. The lack of unity and concrete action at such a pivotal meeting reflects not only the internal divisions within the bloc but also challenges its credibility as a major player on the world stage, raising concerns about future interventions and strategic autonomy in global crises.