
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced today that the leaders of five major European NATO members plan to hold joint military exercises in 2026 and to further develop defense industry cooperation with Ukraine. Led by Poland, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, this initiative is known as E5 and is considered a significant milestone in Europe’s defense strategy. This development comes before Donald Trump takes office and comes at a time when Trump is expected to follow a different path in transatlantic relations.
E5: European Defense Action and NATO Relations
The coming together of the E5 countries aims to strengthen European defense cooperation, and suggests that some military exercises can be conducted without the logistical and command-control support of the United States, NATO’s most powerful member. Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the E5 is a format that complements relations within NATO and the EU, and emphasized the importance of joint exercises. He stated that the exercises in 2026 will take place with a major role for the alliance, and that the success of such events would not be possible without NATO’s support.
Recalling that the previous meeting was held in Berlin on November 25, 2024, Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that the next event in Paris will discuss training plans in more detail. These meetings are aimed at coordinating not only defense cooperation between European countries, but also efforts to support Ukraine. Developments in Ukraine's defense industry were also on the agenda at the meeting, which was attended by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov via teleconference.
Defense Industry Cooperation with Ukraine
The E5 countries stated that they will continue to take concrete steps to advance defense industry cooperation with Ukraine. Polish Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that in the talks with Ukraine, they discussed issues related to the development of defense production capacities between Europe and Ukraine. He also noted that the activities of the Ukraine Defense Liaison Group should continue despite the policies of the new US administration.
This development is considered a step that reinforces the activities of the UDCG, which brings together 2022 countries that support Kiev after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 50. The long-term commitment of the E5 countries to increase Ukraine's defense capacity provides significant support that will strengthen Ukraine's defense industry.
US Policies and Europe's Role
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius refrained from speculating on the policies of the new US administration in his statement after the Ramstein meeting. However, he stressed that continuing E5 defense cooperation is the best solution in any case. Pistorius said that the allies involved are considering options and alternatives. These statements show that Europe is moving towards developing an independent defense strategy despite US policies.
Europe's Strong Defense Path
The E5 countries’ determination to strengthen their defense cooperation with Ukraine clarifies Europe’s strategic orientation in the defense field. Joint military exercises to be held in 2026 indicate that this cooperation will reach its peak and that relations between NATO and the European Union will deepen. Europe’s increased responsibility for its defense industry and military exercises will play a critical role, especially in terms of increasing Ukraine’s defense capacity.