Brief
EU defence ministers pledge larger NATO role while backing US partnership
The E5 defence ministers agreed in Paris to assume greater burden in NATO and reaffirmed US importance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain – the so‑called E5 – announced on Monday that Europe will assume "greater responsibility" for its own security within NATO while continuing to view the United States as an "indispensable ally".
In a joint statement after talks in Paris, the ministers said Europe must shoulder a larger burden and work closely with the United States to implement this ambition. French minister Catherine Vautrin added that the five countries will develop a coordinated plan in "full transparency" with Washington, and that the next E5 meeting will be in Rome in March 2027.
Poland was represented by deputy minister Pawel Zalewski, who said any agreement on US troop reductions will be coordinated to avoid deterrence gaps. The statement also reaffirmed support for Ukraine, with Britain’s Wes Streeting saying the alliance will stand with Kyiv "as long as it takes" while warning against war with Russia.
Key facts
- The E5 defence ministers said Europe will assume greater NATO responsibility. (france24.com)
- They reaffirmed the United States as an indispensable ally. (france24.com)
- The next E5 meeting is scheduled for Rome in March 2027. (france24.com)
- Poland was represented by deputy minister Pawel Zalewski at the talks. (france24.com)
- Britain’s Wes Streeting pledged continued support for Ukraine. (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Europe's top NATO powers pledge greater defence role, reaffirm US alliance”
