Five European NATO defence ministers meet in Paris, pledging a greater defence role and close ties with Washington

Summary

Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK met in Paris on Monday, 26 October 2026, to discuss strengthening Europe's defence role and increasing military assistance to Ukraine. Afterwards, the five countries said they were ready to take greater responsibility for the continent's security while reaffirming the United States as an "indispensable ally", and they pledged closer co-operation with Washington. The reporting covers the meeting and its stated commitments; it does not give further details of specific assistance.

Timeline

1. Al Jazeera

   26 Oct 2026, 11:04 UTCSource ↗

   Defence ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK were meeting to discuss increasing military assistance to Ukraine.

2. France 24

   26 Oct 2026, 23:33 UTCSource ↗

   Europe's five main NATO members said on Monday they were ready to take greater responsibility for the continent's security while reaffirming the United States as an "indispensable ally", and pledged closer co-operation with Washington after talks in Paris.