- Italy, Britain, France, Germany and Poland to Discuss Future of European Security Strategy
ROME — Leaders of Europe’s leading military powers will meet in Berlin on Wednesday as European nations look to strengthen their role in diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Italy announced on Monday.
The meeting will bring together Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
E5 Group Focuses on Ukraine Support and European Defense
The gathering is expected to focus on strengthening European coordination, increasing defense cooperation, and discussing ways to support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The E5 group was established in 2024 following growing calls for European countries to expand their defense capabilities and improve joint efforts to assist Kyiv.
German Chancellor Merz had earlier confirmed that the meeting would take place this week, though no specific date had been announced at the time.
G7 Commitments Increase Pressure for Stronger European Action
The Berlin talks come after last week’s G7 summit, where leaders — joined by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — agreed to increase deliveries of air defense systems to Ukraine and strengthen sanctions against Russia.
Diplomatic sources said G7 leaders also approved licenses allowing Ukraine-based companies to manufacture long-range missiles and air defense equipment.
However, Zelenskyy has urged European allies to take a more active role, particularly as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have slowed.
EU Explores Communication Channels with Moscow
Meanwhile, a European Union official said EU Council President António Costa’s office had held preliminary diplomatic contacts with Moscow in an effort to explore possible communication channels.
The move has faced caution from some EU member states, with diplomats saying several leaders expressed reservations about renewed engagement with the Kremlin during last week’s EU summit in Brussels.
The Berlin meeting is expected to underline Europe’s growing ambition to shape the future of Ukraine diplomacy and regional security.
BY: The Times Union
