E5 Leaders Coordinate Response Ahead of NATO Summit on Ukraine Support

(From left) Leaders of Poland, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK [Photo=AP, Yonhap]

Leaders from five European nations—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Poland—reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine and enhancing European defense cooperation ahead of next month’s NATO summit. This meeting comes amid growing internal disagreements within Europe regarding participation in Ukraine peace negotiations and defense spending.
On June 24, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk convened in Berlin for an E5 meeting.
In a joint statement, the leaders reiterated their commitment to transatlantic security and the Atlantic alliance. They acknowledged the crucial role of the United States within NATO and pledged to strengthen Europe’s defense industry and military capabilities to take on greater security responsibilities.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of ongoing debates about Europe’s representation and involvement in Ukraine peace talks. The E3 group—Germany, France, and the UK—has advocated for active participation from both the U.S. and Europe in the negotiation process. However, Italy and Poland have expressed concerns that discussions led by the E3 may not adequately represent the entire continent. Poland, in particular, has argued that as a key player on NATO's eastern flank and a logistical hub for support to Ukraine, it should have a significant role.
Before the meeting, Chancellor Merz stated, “We aim to renew our alliance and strengthen Europe’s axis.” He emphasized that it would be a mistake for European nations to act independently and highlighted the importance of cooperation with the United States.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who was visiting the U.S., participated in the meeting via video link. Former President Donald Trump has criticized Europe for taking advantage of U.S. security guarantees, and at last year’s NATO summit, he secured commitments from member countries to allocate 5% of their GDP to direct and indirect defense spending by 2035.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also announced on June 18 that the issue of U.S. troop presence in Europe would be reviewed over the next six months. As a result, the upcoming NATO summit is expected to focus on member countries’ compliance with defense spending commitments and the expansion of Europe’s security responsibilities.

* This article has been translated by AI.