In a significant move towards bolstering European security, defense ministers from Poland, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—the so-called 'European Five' (E5)—gathered in Poland on Monday to discuss the development of the arms industry and increased support for Ukraine.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the urgency of the moment, stating that 2025 is a pivotal year for European security, regardless of any changes within the United States administration. \"We have no time to waste when it comes to strengthening the European pillar of NATO,\" Pistorius declared, highlighting the critical need for coordinated defense efforts.
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu highlighted the importance of this meeting as a starting point for action, particularly addressing the commitment of European Union (EU) member states to allocate 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense spending. This target is seen as essential for enhancing the EU's autonomous defense capabilities.
Britain's armed forces minister, Luke Pollard, echoed the sentiment, calling for a renewed focus on increasing defense budgets across European nations. Pollard underscored that higher defense spending is crucial for maintaining a robust and responsive military presence within NATO.
The E5 group, comprising the defense ministers of Poland, Germany, France, Italy, and Britain, represents the European countries that contribute the highest funds to NATO's defense budget. Their collaboration aims to create a more self-reliant and powerful European defense sector, capable of addressing current and future security challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
