Defense ministers from five European NATO members endorsed a larger European role in alliance security and reaffirmed support for Ukraine after talks in Paris on Oct. 26.
The five-nation European Group of Five (E5) called Russia the “most acute and long-term threat” to Euro-Atlantic security. The ministers cited Russia’s war against Ukraine, along with what they characterized as violations of allied airspace, sabotage and hybrid attacks.
The declaration urged European allies to take on more political and military leadership within NATO. It described the United States as indispensable to the alliance and NATO as the foundation of collective security. The ministers also called for closer cooperation among European defense industries and for military capabilities aligned with NATO priorities. European Union (EU) defense efforts, they said, should complement NATO, avoid duplicating its work and allow non-EU NATO allies to participate under specified conditions. The declaration did not set new procurement orders, funding totals or delivery dates, or allocate costs among the five governments.
On Ukraine, the ministers backed continued political, military and financial support and pledged to keep targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” under international law. The declaration says the Coalition of the Willing “will contribute to robust and credible security guarantees” once a cease-fire or peace agreement is in place, without detailing what those guarantees would include.
Italy’s Ministry of Defence said the meeting also covered Middle East crises, maritime routes and hybrid threats. The declaration made no specific commitment on the Middle East. ANSA reported that Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto said Italy would continue supporting Ukraine “within the limits of our capabilities.”
The Paris statement follows earlier E5 calls for a stronger European role within NATO and closer defense-industry cooperation. Bloomberg reported that a pre-meeting draft described Russia as Europe’s most acute, long-term threat, as EconoTimes previously reported.
Separately, NATO’s 2025 Hague commitment sets a goal for member countries to spend 5% of gross domestic product annually on defense by 2035. At least 3.5% is for core defense requirements, with up to 1.5% for broader defense and security investment. NATO says the plan’s spending trajectory and balance will be reviewed in 2029; the E5 statement set no date for another meeting or decision.
