The defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom agree that Russia poses the most acute and enduring threat to Euro-Atlantic security. Moscow’s war against Ukraine, coupled with repeated airspace violations, sabotage campaigns, and expanding hybrid operations, has not fractured Allied unity. Instead, these actions have reinforced the group’s resolve to defend Allied territory through a comprehensive 360-degree approach addressing threats from every strategic direction.
The ministers share a deep conviction that Europe must shoulder greater responsibility for its own security. They are committed to close coordination with the United States and all Allies to realise this ambition, stressing that Washington remains an indispensable partner and that continued U.S. engagement is essential to a credible NATO.
Greater responsibility starts with empowering European Allies inside NATO.
To build a stronger Europe within a stronger Alliance, the E5 is already implementing concrete measures agreed at The Hague and reinforced in Ankara to meet established capability targets. The group will assume greater political and military leadership, modernise forces, and deepen defence-industrial cooperation based on common, standardised requirements. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening NATO’s collective defence and adapting a more proactive deterrence and defence posture for current and future challenges.
The five nations will boost contributions to enhance readiness, resilience, and the ability to respond across all domains. This includes developing necessary capabilities aligned with NATO-agreed priorities and targets, supported by an appropriate, tailored mix of complementary assets to cover the full spectrum of operational requirements.
NATO remains the cornerstone of collective security; the E5 will back greater European capacity to act through multiple frameworks, including the European Union.
The ministers emphasised a nation-led, coordinated approach aligned with NATO. They welcomed EU efforts to help nations meet NATO capability requirements and strengthen European defence readiness, noting the Union’s regulatory and financial tools as valuable assets. EU defence initiatives must complement NATO, avoid duplication, and remain open, under certain conditions, to meaningful cooperation with non-EU NATO Allies.
Unwavering support for Ukraine remains a priority.
The E5 stressed the need to sustain political, military, and financial assistance to Kyiv by all available means. They reaffirmed determination to counter the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet in accordance with international law and in coordination with relevant partners.
The group stands united with Ukraine in its pursuit of a lasting peace backed by robust security guarantees, pledging that the Coalition of the Willing will contribute credible assurances once a ceasefire or peace agreement is in place.