BERLIN – German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius hosted his French, British, Italian and Polish counterparts, along with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, at the Defense Ministry’s Bendlerblock headquarters on Friday for the latest meeting of the European Group of Five (E5).
The gathering marked one year since the format was created to accelerate European defense cooperation amid Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. In a joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to “strengthening Europe’s defense” and outlined achievements from the E5’s first year, as well as priorities for the months ahead.
One year of enhanced European defence cooperation
The ministers concurred that the past year established the E5 as a regular ministerial forum for “candid and substantive exchange” on emerging threats, strategic priorities, and operational challenges.
According to the statement, the dialogue has been closely coordinated with NATO and the EU, contributing to “strengthening the overall European security architecture.”
A key focus was accelerating Europe’s defense industrial capacity, with ministers highlighting efforts to reduce bureaucracy and simplify procurement processes. The statement welcomed the EU’s work on the “Defense Readiness Omnibus Simplification Act,” which aims to streamline defense cooperation and support joint capability development.
Kallas: “Member states must decide what they deliver”
The discussions took place just hours after another night of deadly Russian drone attacks across Ukraine, including in Kyiv, where at least six people were killed. The strikes once again highlighted Ukraine’s acute need for additional air defense systems – and the urgency of decisions by European capitals.
Asked by Kyiv Post whether the EU or the E5 would consider supporting Ukraine by helping defend its western airspace with long-range systems stationed on European territory – freeing Ukrainian assets for the front and key cities – EU High Representative Kaja Kallas did not address the proposal directly.
Instead, she stressed the urgency of strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses: “What kind of support we provide to Ukraine must, of course, be decided by the Member States. It is clear that Ukraine needs more air defense – 93% of Russian targets are civilian.”
“To defend the country, they need more air defense and more ammunition. We discussed what more we can do, because it is urgent. But Member States must decide what they deliver and how they want to help,” she finished.
Pistorius: No point in public speculation about peacekeeping options
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, responding to a question on possible European peacekeeping forces in a future ceasefire arrangement, was more explicit:
“Germany has always said we will take part in conversations about possible peacekeeping options in order to stay informed.
But at the same time, we have always made clear that it makes no sense to publicly discuss what happens ‘if’ – because there is no indication that Putin is taking any step toward a ceasefire, let alone peace negotiations.”
“We can hardly imagine where Ukraine would stand today without our support”
Addressing a separate question about Ukraine’s deteriorating air-defense performance under Russia’s intensified barrages, Pistorius said Europe is working at maximum speed to increase production and offset Ukraine’s shortages.
“We can hardly imagine where Ukraine would stand today without our support,” he said, emphasizing that European countries have expanded production lines, accelerated procurement “wherever possible,” and significantly increased direct investment into Ukraine’s own defense industry – including long-range strike capabilities.
Some Ukrainian facilities, he noted, are operating at “up to 35 percent under capacity” due to lack of funding. “We are trying to close these gaps. The challenge is enormous, with the pace of technological development and the sheer number of drones and cruise missiles Russia launches. But the message remains clear: we must not ease our efforts.”
Supporting Ukraine’s defense industry
The statement placed significant emphasis on strengthening Ukraine’s defense industrial base, which the ministers called “critical to a sovereign Ukraine.”
According to the joint text, the E5 has:
- facilitated joint ventures between European and Ukrainian companies,
- supported the establishment of production facilities inside Ukraine,
- promoted experience-sharing between Ukrainian and European defense sectors,
- encouraged direct investment in Ukraine’s defense capabilities, and
- advanced the integration of Ukrainian firms into European defense value chains.
These efforts, the ministers said, have already resulted in facilities in Ukraine producing urgently needed weapons and equipment for the Armed Forces.
Priorities ahead: sustained aid, readiness, hybrid threats
Looking forward, the E5 pledged to continue maximizing military support to Ukraine, including through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, and to work on a long-term strategic framework for security assistance and industrial cooperation.
The ministers also highlighted Europe’s responsibility to contribute more robustly to Euro-Atlantic security by meeting NATO capability targets and ramping up defense production. “Non-EU allies’ fullest involvement in EU defense efforts is essential,” the statement said.
Another priority is strengthening cooperation against hybrid threats, with specific reference to the growing challenges posed by drones, cyberattacks, and disinformation. The E5 committed to exploring innovative defensive measures, including drone-defense technologies, and enhancing intelligence and information sharing.
Commitment to a secure Europe with a free Ukraine
Concluding the statement, the ministers said they remain confident that continued cooperation will contribute to “a more secure and protected Europe,” adding that European security must include “a free and prosperous Ukraine.”