(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 16 OTT - It has become clear that a joint defence is required to counter "Russia's posture." It is equally clear that believing that individual states can go it alone—imagining "a future separate from that of others"—is tantamount to "fleeing from reality," or, more accurately, "self-destruction." The Italian President issued a stern warning to his 11 European counterparts, who were meeting in Brdo, Slovenia, to discuss strategies for defending the Union against both military threats from Vladimir Putin and political challenges from Trump. The 21st Arraiolos Group summit has the atmosphere of a state under siege, allowing leaders to speak freely without the usual diplomatic constraints. The core of the problem is that Europe faces external attacks but is hesitant to take countermeasures. Mattarella was the first to speak, and the current chair, Pirc Musar, introduced him as "the most senior and respected member." He was followed by Germany's Frank-Walter Steinmeier—a close friend of Mattarella, whose second term expires at the end of this year—who said, "Time is running out fast." Sergio Mattarella is acutely aware of the inertia in reform, which now poses a genuine threat; he does not mince words, emphasising that the consequences will primarily affect European citizens. External threats and internal inaction are undermining their quality of life. "The European Union faces extraordinary challenges that affect its security, its prosperity, and its ability to act with authority on the international stage—challenges with significant consequences for the lives of our citizens," Mattarella said in his speech at summit. He urged against division at this critical juncture, stating that our citizens, particularly the younger generation, would not forgive us for it. Using Eurobarometer data, he stated that "about 90% of our citizens call for greater unity among member states." He further stated, "The interests of today's generation and those of the future require that we proceed with determination on the necessary internal reforms." Speed and reform are the recommended path forward. While the President does not explicitly mention the need for unanimous voting—a mechanism that frequently slows down the Union's decision-making processes—his stance is clear: the system must be reform. He demonstrates this point when discussing enlargement, stating that "the enlargement process—from the Western Balkan countries to Ukraine and Moldova—must be accelerated; a Union with well over thirty members could not function under the current decision-making rules." (ANSA).