Europe's big five NATO powers pledge bigger defence role

· Security · France · Germany

Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain said on Monday they were ready to take greater responsibility for Europe's security while reaffirming the United States as an "indispensable ally." The pledge came after talks in Paris among Europe's five main NATO members, who committed to closer cooperation with Washington. The statement signals European capitals' push to shoulder more of the continent's defence burden amid uncertainty over US commitments, while keeping the transatlantic alliance at the centre of their planning.

Why it matters：Europe's biggest military powers are recalibrating the transatlantic bargain, a shift that will shape defence budgets and NATO planning for years.

Key points

  • The five ministers met in Paris on Monday.
  • They described the US as an "indispensable ally" while pledging closer cooperation.
  • The group covers Europe's largest NATO military and economic powers.

Sources (original reporting)

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