Five NATO nations agree to take greater responsibility for European security

Defense ministers from five NATO countries agreed in Paris on October 26 to take greater responsibility for European security within the alliance, while stressing that US participation remains essential for continental defense. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Britain issued a joint statement confirming their intention to coordinate actions with Washington and other allies. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said the five nations aim to strengthen Europe within a NATO that remains equally strong, with a coordinated action plan developed transparently. The next meeting of these defense ministers is scheduled for March 2027 in Rome. This comes amid reports that Russia may use negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine to push for reducing NATO's military presence in Europe to 1997 levels, though European officials maintain their position on Moscow's demands is unchanged.