E5 powers vow stronger NATO ahead of Ankara summit
The leaders of Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening NATO on Wednesday, two weeks before the alliance's summit in Ankara, saying a successful meeting would solidify transatlantic ties and bolster European security.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the leaders of France, Italy, Poland and the UK reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening NATO on Wednesday, gathering in Berlin two weeks before the alliance's summit in Ankara, Türkiye.
E5 leaders outline summit objectives
Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Merz said the informal coalition aimed to ensure the upcoming meeting reinforced transatlantic unity. “We want to work together to make this important summit a success. This serves our security in dangerous times,” Merz said at a press briefing following the E5 session.
The German chancellor outlined four priority messages for the Ankara gathering, emphasizing that allies stand for a NATO that safeguards Euro-Atlantic security and must renew the alliance by reinforcing its European pillar. Higher defense spending lays the foundation for a more balanced transatlantic partnership, he noted, while greater cooperation remains essential on both sides of the Atlantic.
Financial pledge for Kyiv
Merz warned that “going it alone in our defense policy would be a mistake,” stressing the need for coordinated European defense efforts. The leaders also sought to send a “strong signal for Ukraine,” with Merz proposing that European NATO allies make a substantial financial commitment to demonstrate that Europe’s support remains unwavering.
“The federal government proposes that we, as European NATO allies, make a strong financial commitment to Kyiv. The message to Russia is: Ukraine remains strong. Europe’s support is unwavering,” he said.
US-Iran agreement and upcoming briefings
The E5 Group welcomed the framework agreement for a peaceful resolution between the US and Iran, Merz noted. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte joined the working meeting via video conference from Brussels, and Merz said he would subsequently brief US President Donald Trump, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other partners on the Berlin talks.
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