European powers gather in Poland

The meeting was attended by five representatives of European defense ministries: Ministers Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz of Poland, Catherine Vautrin of France, Boris Pistorius of Germany, as well as Deputy Ministers of Defense Isabella Rauti of Italy and Luke Pollard of the United Kingdom. Also present were EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska, and, joining remotely, Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov. This was the seventh meeting in this format since 2024.

The discussions focused on three key areas:

1. Deterrence and defense within NATO and strengthening European defense capabilities,

2. Countering the growing hybrid threats,

3. Continuing multidimensional support for Ukraine and working toward lasting peace.

Following the meeting, a press conference was held to present the decisions made. “We have signed a very important commitment concerning the joint development of strike capabilities using drones, low-cost joint production, and joint procurement of drone effectors, meaning combat payloads. Technologies and combat techniques are changing dynamically, so we must respond quickly and appropriately,” said Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The allied relations and the willingness to continue cooperation within the E5 Group were reaffirmed. “Our main task is to be strong enough so that no one would ever consider attacking the countries of the European Union, including the E5 states. We approach all our commitments in solidarity,” the Polish minister added.

Cooperation in a format such as the E5 is particularly important for Europe, given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the uncertainty of the international environment, including uncertainties among previously close allies. Many European countries, including Poland, have largely relied on the United States for their security. Although neither side intends to officially break allied commitments, recent weeks have seen a notable increase in European initiatives aimed at strengthening their own defense. Europe must be prepared for a potential US withdrawal from the region, should such a decision be made at the White House.