Europe's top defense ministers are stepping up efforts to boost military production and back Ukraine, with a high-stakes meeting in Poland this week. The 'European Five' (E5)—representing Poland, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—highlighted the urgent need to strengthen NATO's security framework ahead of 2025.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called 2025 a 'decisive year,' stressing that Europe must act fast regardless of political shifts in the U.S. 'We have no time to waste,' he said, emphasizing NATO's 'European pillar.'
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the group is prioritizing EU-wide defense spending targets, urging members to hit the 2% GDP benchmark. UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard echoed the push, calling for 'collective investment' to counter rising global tensions.
The E5—comprising NATO's biggest defense spenders—aims to streamline arms production and ensure long-term support for Ukraine. Analysts say the move reflects growing unease over geopolitical instability and the need for self-reliance.
Europe's top defense ministers are stepping up efforts to boost military production and back Ukraine, with a high-stakes meeting in Poland this week. The 'European Five' (E5)—representing Poland, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy—highlighted the urgent need to strengthen NATO's security framework ahead of 2025.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called 2025 a 'decisive year,' stressing that Europe must act fast regardless of political shifts in the U.S. 
'We have no time to waste,' he said, emphasizing NATO's 'European pillar.'
French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu noted the group is prioritizing EU-wide defense spending targets, urging members to hit the 2% GDP benchmark. 
UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard echoed the push, calling for 'collective investment' to counter rising global tensions.
The E5—comprising NATO's biggest defense spenders—aims to streamline arms production and ensure long-term support for Ukraine. Analysts say the move reflects growing unease over geopolitical instability and the need for self-reliance.
