Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom called for Europe to take more responsibility for its security and a larger political and military role in NATO, while saying the United States remains essential to the alliance.
The ministers met in Paris on October 26 as the E5 group. They said Russia poses the most serious long-term threat to security in Europe and the Atlantic region. They cited Russia’s war against Ukraine, violations of allied airspace, sabotage and a growing number of attacks using different methods as reasons to strengthen the defence of allied territory.
Their joint statement said Europe’s larger role should be closely coordinated with the United States and other allies, not carried out outside NATO. The five pledged to modernise their forces and military capabilities and improve their readiness and ability to withstand disruption. They also pledged to deepen cooperation between defence industries around requirements they share.
They said their work should help meet military capability targets agreed within NATO. They also said it should strengthen the alliance’s ability to discourage attacks through its combined military strength. They added that European Union initiatives can support readiness and military capabilities.
They said those initiatives should complement NATO and the responsibilities of individual countries. The Paris meeting also addressed support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East.