Stunned by U.S. outreach to Russia over Ukraine, European leaders are groping for common ground.

Speaking in Munich last week, America’s vice-president, J.D. Vance, offered a taste of how the home of fine wines, classical architecture and welfare cheques faces humiliation, when he ridiculed Europe as decadent and undemocratic.

European leaders took steps Sunday to answer assertive U.S. efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine, as France announced a meeting of continental leaders and Baltic countries called for new steps to strengthen Kyiv's hand in any future talks.