World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Five European NATO powers pledge greater role in continent’s defence
Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK met in Paris on Monday to discuss Europe’s security.
They said they were ready to take greater responsibility for the continent’s defence and work more closely with Washington.
The ministers also reaffirmed that the United States remains an indispensable ally.
A draft statement prepared before the meeting described Russia as Europe’s most acute and long-term security threat, citing its war in Ukraine and actions including suspected sabotage and cyber attacks.
The five countries said Europe should strengthen its forces and capabilities within NATO, rather than duplicate the alliance’s work.
They also pledged continued support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s invasion.
The ministers discussed security challenges in the Middle East as well.
Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK said they were ready to take greater responsibility for Europe’s security.
They reaffirmed the United States as an “indispensable ally” and pledged closer cooperation with Washington.
The ministers made the commitments after talks in Paris on Monday, according to France 24.
A draft statement reported before the meeting described Russia as the most acute and long-term threat to Europe and pledged continued support for Ukraine.
The National reported the statement was still a draft, while France 24 described the ministers’ commitments after the talks.
- Who
- Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK.
- What
- They pledged to take greater responsibility for Europe’s security and reaffirmed the US as an indispensable ally.
- When
- Monday, October 26, 2026.
- Where
- Paris.
- Why
- To strengthen Europe’s defence role and address security challenges, including Russia’s actions and the war in Ukraine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe should take Russia’s threat more seriously, strengthen its defences and reduce reliance on the US while continuing to support Ukraine.
Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK met in Paris and pledged a greater European defence role, according to France 24.
- Countries
- France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK
- Meeting location
- Paris
- Meeting date
- October 26, 2026
- European role
- Greater responsibility for the continent’s security
- US alliance
- Described as indispensable by the ministers
3 sources
Europe's top NATO powers pledge greater defence role, reaffirm US alliance
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What people are saying
Europe must assume greater responsibility for its own security.
Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, on the one hand, and its continued violations of Allied airspace, acts of sabotage and growing use of multi-domain hybrid attacks, on the other, do not undermine our unity, solidarity and cohesion
We will maintain our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight back against Russian aggression