Shared Perspective on Security Threats
The Defence Ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom recognise a common assessment: Russia poses a significant and enduring threat to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. The ongoing aggression towards Ukraine, along with persistent violations of Allied airspace, acts of sabotage, and an increasing reliance on multi-domain hybrid attacks, do not fracture our unity. Instead, these actions reinforce our resolve to uphold the integrity and security of Allied territories. We remain committed to a comprehensive strategy that addresses threats from all strategic angles.
Europe’s Responsibility for Its Own Security
We are united in our belief that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security. Our commitment is to work collaboratively with the United States and all Allies to realise this essential objective. The United States remains an irreplaceable partner, and its ongoing involvement in European security is crucial for a robust and credible NATO.
To achieve this heightened responsibility, it is imperative that we empower European Allies within NATO.
Concrete Measures for a Stronger NATO
In pursuit of a more robust Europe within a stronger NATO, we have initiated tangible actions to fulfil the commitments set forth in The Hague and reiterated in Ankara, aiming to meet established capability targets. We pledge to enhance our political and military leadership within the Alliance, modernising our forces and capabilities. This includes fostering closer defence-industrial collaboration based on shared and standardised requirements.
Our commitment to fortifying NATO’s collective defence is unwavering. We aim to adapt swiftly to both current and future challenges by adopting a more proactive deterrence and defence posture.
Enhancing Readiness and Resilience
We will augment our contributions to improve readiness, resilience, and our capacity to respond to emerging threats across all domains. This will involve promoting the development of necessary capabilities that align with NATO’s priorities and objectives, ensuring a suitable mix of complementary resources to address the full spectrum of operational needs.
NATO continues to be the cornerstone of our collective security. The Group of Five/E5 will foster greater European capability to act through various frameworks and initiatives, including those of the European Union, while complementing the sovereign responsibilities of individual states and intergovernmental cooperation.
Coordinated Approach to Defence Initiatives
We stress the importance of a coordinated approach led by nations, aligned with NATO’s objectives. We commend the European Union for its initiatives to assist nations in meeting NATO’s defence capability requirements and enhancing European defence readiness. The EU’s regulatory and financial mechanisms serve as vital support for our nations’ ambitions. It is essential that EU defence initiatives complement NATO, avoid redundancy, and remain open, under certain conditions, to constructive cooperation with non-EU NATO Allies.
Commitment to Supporting Ukraine
Our steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in its resistance against Russian aggression remains resolute. The capacity of Ukraine to defend itself, both now and in the future, is crucial for the collective security of the Euro-Atlantic community.
We emphasise the necessity of maintaining support for Ukraine through all available means—politically, militarily, and financially.
Addressing Russia’s Shadow Fleet
We reaffirm our determination to confront the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet, adhering to international law and collaborating with relevant partners. We stand in solidarity with Ukraine in its quest for a lasting peace, which must be underpinned by robust security guarantees. The Coalition of the Willing will play a role in providing credible security assurances once a ceasefire or peace agreement is established.