Europe’s top five defence spenders warning Russia is biggest threat to continent’s security

Europe’s five biggest defence spenders are set to warn that Russia represents the most acute and long-term threat to the continent’s security as they pledge unflagging support for Ukraine.

Sign In or Create an Account

“Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, on the one hand, and its continued violations of Allied airspace, acts of sabotage and growing use of multi-domain hybrid attacks, on the other, do not undermine our unity, solidarity and cohesion,” said a draft joint statement from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK, or E5, seen by Bloomberg News.

The ministers also plan to say that Europe “must assume greater responsibility for its own security.”

Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

The statement, whose language could change before publication, is expected to be released after a meeting in Paris on Monday hosted by French defense minister Catherine Vautrin and attended by the their counterparts from the other four countries.

The message is a response to Russia intensifying a campaign of hybrid attacks across Europe, including suspected sabotage, cyberattacks, arson, drone incursions and threats to critical infrastructure and defense companies. European officials see the activity as an effort by Moscow to test the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s limits, disrupt support for Ukraine and exploit uncertainty over how the alliance should respond without triggering a broader conflict.

While highlighting that the US will remain an “indispensable ally,” the draft said that “this greater responsibility must begin with the empowerment of European Allies within NATO.”

The European leaders are expected to say in the statement that they will assume greater political and military leadership to modernize their forces and capabilities, strengthening NATO’s collective defense to “adapt to current and future challenges” and also bolstering Europe’s defense readiness.

The European Union’s regulatory and financial resources can help support member states’ defense ambitions, according to the draft, while stressing that the bloc’s defense efforts should reinforce NATO rather than duplicate its work and should remain open to members outside the military alliance.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned last week that Russia’s threat to Europe extends beyond the war in Ukraine, arguing that Moscow is increasingly seeking to destabilize European democracies through pressure, interference and hybrid attacks. In an interview on Bloomberg Television on Oct. 19, Merz said Europe must take the threat more seriously, strengthen its defenses and reduce its reliance on the US while continuing to support Ukraine.

This step by European leaders comes after rising tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine following President Donald Trump’s deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin where the U.S. agreed to refrain from further sanctions in exchange for Moscow supplying diesel to the global market in a bid to reduce rising energy prices. The deal was met with a strong backlash from U.S. politicians allied with Trump, as well as from Ukraine and European leaders.

“We will maintain our unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine in its fight back against Russian aggression,” the draft said, emphasizing their combating Russia’s shadow fleet and its continued violations of European airspace. “Ukraine’s ability to defend itself now and in the future is critically important to Euro-Atlantic collective security.”

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here.

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.