The defence ministers of Europe's five major powers—France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Poland, and Italy—convened in Paris and reached broad consensus on the necessity of strengthening Ukraine's long-term security by enhancing its armed forces. Meanwhile, Germany's Chancellor-elect, Friedrich Merz, is in discussions with MPs regarding a significant increase in defence spending.
The five defence ministers acknowledged the challenges posed by the new administration of Donald Trump in the US, while insisting Europe was ready to stand on its own feet.
"There is obviously a very broad consensus emerging... that the first of the security guarantees for Ukraine is obviously the Ukrainian army itself," French defence minister Sebastian Lecornu told reporters, ruling out any postwar "demilitarisation" of Ukraine.
"The word 'demilitarisation' is emerging, but it is not the case. On the contrary, the real guarantee of long-term security will be the capabilities that we will be able to give to the Ukrainian army," he added.
Lecornu said that "at this stage, about fifteen countries have shown an interest in continuing this process," referring to proposed options for a "security architecture" with a view to a lasting ceasefire" in Ukraine.
French army instructors from the Combined Arms Training Command, walk with rifles after conducting training in trenches for Ukrainian soldiers in Wedrzyn, Poland, December 7, 2023.
French army instructors from the Combined Arms Training Command, walk with rifles after conducting training in trenches for Ukrainian soldiers in Wedrzyn, Poland, December 7, 2023. REUTERS - KUBA STEZYCKI
He warned against seeing Ukraine's post-war security solely in terms of European troops who could be deployed there, repeatedly insisting that this was not an issue to be decided on now.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also welcomed a "real unity of the continent", referring to the threat from Russia.
According to the website of the Polish Ministry of Defence, the EU's main aim should be "to keep Russia as far away from here as possible. As far away from our countries as possible," which means "supporting Ukraine when it is fighting."
But the five also stressed the importance of the "strategic trans-atlantic partnership," but all while "building a strong Europe."
'US engagement'
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that, despite the rapid pace of change, the current situation could help Europe.
"I am convinced that if we act now, if we choose security in Europe over the nitty-gritty of national interest, we will emerge from this situation strengthened," he said.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain and its allies knew that "we must step up" and re-arm.
"We are looking to build a coalition," he said. "We are accelerating this work."
He added, "In the coming weeks you will see European allies coming closer together."
He also spoke of "decisive days in the push for peace in Ukraine", but added that after Tuesday's agreement between Ukraine and the US it was up to Russia to show it was serious.
"I say to President (Vladimir) Putin 'it is over to you now'. You said you wanted talks. Prove it. Accept the ceasefire, start negotiations, and end the war"
In this image made from video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accompanied by Russian Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, behind Putin, visits military headquarters in the Kursk region of Russia.
In this image made from video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin accompanied by Russian Chief of General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, behind Putin, visits military headquarters in the Kursk region of Russia. AP
"Make no mistake: the pressure is now on Putin," he said.
The defence ministers spoke after Ukraine on Tuesday gave the nod to a US-backed plan for a 30-day ceasefire, at talks in Saudi Arabia.
They also released a [joint statement](https://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/ministere-armees/Déclaration conjointe_Réunion des ministres de la Défense du Groupe européen des Cinq (E5) à Paris le 12 mars 2025.pdf) saying they had decided to "remain committed to NATO as the cornerstone of collective defence."
"US engagement is essential in that regard," the joint statement said.
Extra spending
Meanwhile, Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that failing to quickly approve extra spending to bolster the country's military would be irresponsible given the turbulent international context.
Speaking at the beginning of a key parliamentary debate to discuss the plans, which need a two-thirds majority to pass, Merz said "any further delay" in lifting defence spending "would be irresponsible".
"We must now take action to significantly increase our defence capabilities, and we must do so quickly," he said.
Pointing to the United States' deteriorating ties with Ukraine and its European allies, Merz said "we could be standing before a decision with deep consequences for our country's history".
Merz and his centre-right CDU/CSU alliance are currently in talks with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) on a possible coalition government after last month's general election.
Last week the two parties jointly presented plans for big spending packages, including exempting defence spending from Germany's constitutionally enshrined debt brake when it exceeds one percent of GDP, as well as on boosting infrastructure.
A vote on the plans is scheduled for Tuesday and Merz wants them to be approved quickly before the new parliament is convened.
Windfall for European arms makers as Brussels ramps up defence spending
Earlier on, on 4 March the EU Commission announced the "Rearm Europe" plan which includes that member states can boost defence spending even if it means breaking the bloc’s budget deficit rule of 3 percent of GDP. The plan was approved by a EU summit two days later.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested the EU could raise "close to" €650 billion over four years, which would be added to a €150 billion loan to member states for defence investment, totalling €800 billion.
Russia's Tass news agency, quoted Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharovathe as saying that the "military buildup plan for Europe is designed to incite war."
"Armament of countries that are clearly losing their ability to operate effectively is progressing rapidly and excessively. Historically, this has always been referred to as provoking war," she said.
(With newswires)