E5 defence ministers call Russia the “most acute and long-term threat” and say Europe must take more responsibility within NATO

The defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom, the format known as the Group of Five or E5, issued a joint statement on 26 October that calls Russia “the most acute and long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and stability” and argues that Europe must take on more responsibility for its own defence inside NATO. The text was published by the UK Ministry of Defence on GOV.UK.

A threat assessment built around Russia

The ministers say Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, together with what they describe as continued violations of Allied airspace, acts of sabotage and a growing use of hybrid attacks across several domains, does not weaken Allied unity. They write that it strengthens their determination to protect Allied territory through a “360-degree approach” that takes account of threats from every strategic direction.

The statement states that the United States “is and will remain an indispensable Ally” and that continued American engagement in European security is essential to a strong and credible NATO. At the same time, the five say the path to greater European responsibility “must begin with the empowerment of European Allies within NATO”, with the stated aim of building a stronger Europe within a stronger alliance.

Commitments, capabilities and the EU role

The ministers say they are already implementing the commitments taken at The Hague, which they note were emphasised in Ankara, and working to meet NATO’s agreed capability targets. For background on the spending pledge agreed at The Hague, see our explainer NATO’s 5% Target Explained: What It Means and Where Greece Stands.

According to the text, the five countries will take on greater political and military leadership within the Alliance, modernise forces and deepen defence-industrial cooperation based on common and standardised requirements. They also commit to a more proactive deterrence and defence posture and to higher readiness and resilience across all domains.

On the European Union, the statement commends the EU’s efforts to help nations meet NATO capability requirements and strengthen defence readiness, and calls the Union’s regulatory and financial capacity “a valuable tool”. The ministers add that EU defence initiatives should complement NATO, avoid duplication and stay open, under certain conditions, to cooperation with non-EU NATO Allies. That wording matters for countries such as the United Kingdom, which is one of the five signatories but outside the EU.

Ukraine and the shadow fleet

The ministers pledge an “unwavering commitment” to supporting Ukraine and say help should continue “by all available means”, politically, militarily and financially. They also say they will keep tackling the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet, in accordance with international law and in coordination with relevant partners.

On peace, the statement says the five stand united with Ukraine in seeking a lasting settlement underpinned by robust security guarantees, and that the Coalition of the Willing will contribute to credible guarantees once a cease-fire or a peace agreement is in place. The statement does not set a date or detail the form of any such guarantees.

The same day, the Council of the EU adopted decisions to mobilise funds for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility, which Geopolitiki covered in EU Council mobilises €4.9 billion for Ukraine under the European Peace Facility after months of deadlock.

The E5 statement is a joint political declaration. It does not announce new spending figures, deployments or procurement decisions.