Around 30 European leaders reportedly held a confidential late-night meeting earlier this year to discuss the future of transatlantic relations under US President Donald Trump, with participants describing the closed-door gathering as a "therapy night" because of the unusually candid exchanges, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

The meeting, held at European Union headquarters during the third week of January, was conducted under extraordinary secrecy. According to the report, leaders were required to leave behind their mobile phones, no aides were allowed inside, and no official recordings were made to encourage open discussion about Europe's security challenges and its relationship with Washington.

The discussions reportedly extended well past midnight as heads of state and government assessed what they viewed as growing uncertainty surrounding US policy toward Europe.

Greenland Crisis Dominated Talks

The meeting reportedly took place during a period of heightened concern over repeated statements by President Trump regarding Greenland.

According to the report, European leaders feared that tensions surrounding the strategically located Arctic island could escalate further. Denmark had reportedly strengthened defensive preparations, while France had deployed military personnel to support Danish forces. Emergency medical supplies and contingency plans were also said to have been prepared amid concerns over a possible crisis.

Although no military confrontation ultimately occurred, the developments prompted European leaders to reassess their long-term security dependence on the United States.

Macron Calls for Strategic Independence

French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly used the meeting to renew his long-standing appeal for greater European strategic autonomy.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Macron told fellow leaders that Europe needed to draw a clear line and reduce its reliance on American security guarantees.

The report said the discussions reflected a growing consensus that Europe should be capable of defending its own interests regardless of future political developments in Washington.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo reportedly warned that Europe risked becoming overly dependent on the United States if it failed to strengthen its own capabilities.

Europe Accelerates Defence Push

The confidential discussions reportedly reinforced Europe's ongoing efforts to expand defence cooperation, modernise military capabilities and strengthen its defence industrial base.

According to the report, leaders concluded that Europe must prepare for scenarios in which American political or military support may not be guaranteed.

The reassessment also extends beyond defence.

Several European governments are reportedly working to reduce dependence on American technology companies by adopting European alternatives in areas including government software, digital infrastructure and cloud services. Investments in artificial intelligence, space technology and advanced manufacturing have also gained momentum as part of broader efforts to improve technological self-reliance.

Broader Strategic Shift

The reported meeting underscores the broader transformation taking place within Europe as geopolitical uncertainty reshapes security and economic priorities.

Analysts have noted that Russia's war in Ukraine, tensions in the Indo-Pacific and evolving US foreign policy have collectively accelerated Europe's push for greater strategic independence.

While European governments continue to regard the transatlantic partnership as important, the reported discussions suggest policymakers are increasingly planning for a future in which Europe assumes greater responsibility for its own security, technology and economic resilience.

Neither the European Union nor participating leaders have officially commented on the details of the reported closed-door meeting.