Five European Countries Ready for Greater Responsibility in NATO

France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom announced on Monday that they are ready to take on greater responsibility within NATO, while continuing to consider the United States as an indispensable ally.

The defense ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom (the E5 group of countries) stated after talks in Paris that "Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security" and bear a larger burden within the alliance. "We are committed to working closely with the United States and all allies to achieve this specific goal," said the joint statement of the five countries.

"The United States is and will remain an indispensable ally, and continued U.S. involvement in European security is essential for NATO to be strong and reliable," the statement emphasized.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said that the five countries have agreed to work towards "a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO" by implementing a coordinated plan developed in close cooperation with Washington.

Vautrin noted that the next E5 group meeting will take place in Rome in March 2027.

The European Union's (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, who also attended the meeting, pointed out that Europe must continue to modernize its forces and capabilities to build a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.

Poland's defense minister was represented at the meeting by his deputy, Pawel Zalewski.

Speaking about U.S. plans to reduce its military presence in Europe, Zalewski expressed confidence that any agreement would be coordinated with allies to avoid negatively impacting NATO's capabilities.

In May, the Pentagon surprised Europe by announcing plans to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops from Germany, which is about 15% of the 36,000 troops stationed there. Washington announced at the time that this withdrawal would take place over the next six to 12 months.

The E5 defense ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine, although they did not announce new financial or operational assistance.

Photo: G. Dieziņš / Ministry of Defense