Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain said in Paris on 26 October that Europe must take more responsibility for its security, while keeping the United States engaged in NATO.
Defence ministers from five of Europe's largest NATO members said on Monday 26 October that Europe must take on greater responsibility for its own security. The group of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain, known as the E5, met in Paris at the French Ministry for the Armed Forces and Veterans. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius also took part, and the ministers held a joint briefing afterwards, according to Reuters and France 24.
In a joint statement the ministers said they would work closely with the United States and all allies, describing Washington as an "indispensable Ally" whose continued engagement in European security is essential to a strong and credible NATO. French minister Catherine Vautrin said the five countries want "a stronger Europe within an equally stronger NATO", through a coordinated plan developed in full transparency with the US. Poland was represented by deputy minister Pawel Zalewski, who said he expected any US decision to reduce its military presence in Europe to be coordinated with allies so that no capability gaps appear. The Pentagon announced in May plans to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, about 15 percent of the 36,000 stationed there.
The ministers also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, although France 24 reported that they announced no new financial or operational assistance. The next E5 meeting is scheduled for Rome in March 2027, Vautrin said. The video above is the Reuters live feed of the post-meeting briefing.
