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Talks in Paris on European security, Ukraine and developing the defence industry

12.03.2025

- We in Poland recognize three lines of action, and I am pleased to hear that they are shared among us. To keep Russia as far away from here as possible. As far away from our countries as possible. That means supporting Ukraine, and we all agree on that. Wedeclare our continued support for Ukraine when it is fighting, and when the desired, just peace arrives. The second line is building trans-atlantic relationships. We are willing and ready, and confirm our strategic trans-atlantic partnership. The third line is building a strong Europe. This is what we have focused on today. Not just the military strength of Europe, but the strength of its infrastructure related to arms production – deputy prime minister W. Kosiniak – Kamysz said in Paris.

On Wednesday, 12 March, the deputy prime minister – minister of national defence took part in Paris in a meeting of the Group of 5 defence ministers – together with the ministersfrom France, Germany, Italy and Great Britain, and invited guests: the defence minister of Ukraine and NATO and EU representatives.

On Wednesday, 12 March, the deputy prime minister – minister of national defence took part in Paris in a meeting of the Group of 5 defence ministers – together with the ministersfrom France, Germany, Italy and Great Britain, and invited guests: the defence minister of Ukraine and NATO and EU representatives.

- Europe, understood as the European community, activates for the first time a programme of building a strong industrial base, investing in the defence industry, arms production. It considers defence spending a priority, as the resolution of the European Parliament that was passed today confirms, pointing to key defence projects like Eastern Shield or Baltic Defence Line. It loosens the financial restrictions that made it impossible for some states to invest in defence. Defence expenditures will not be part of the deficit. These are the intentions that we welcome as ministers of defence, that we have been talking about for a long time, that have been raised many times in the E5 format. (…) 500 million Europeans deserves the strength that will bring peace to Ukraine. This is our serious commitment

– said the minister of defence.

The meeting of the defence ministers concerned the current security situation in Europe. Among the issues were increasing the interoperability of European militaries and cooperation of defence industries, rearming Europe and continuing efforts towards achieving a just peace that ends the war in Ukraine started by Russia.

- We need to act together when it comes to the mobility of our militaries. We need simplicity in decision-making and courage in our parliaments to meet the historic expectations of defence spending, operational capabilities, the strength of our troops, resilience of our communities. Today we have devoted much time in our talks to cybersecurity and investing in new technologies. I support common European developing of capabilities to build artificial intelligence (…) Citizens of Europe are counting on our cooperation. Everyone can play their own role. Everyone will have a part in this proces that I believe will result in a peaceful, just solution for Ukraine, for all of Europe. But peace will always need our strength, the strength of deterrence and defence. Our five countries are so strongly united, so strongly cooperating and their defence ministers, together with the five largest European armies, are determined to see this through and will do everything to ensure stability, security and peace in our homelands, in Europe and the world

– the defence minister noted.

During the meeting, the ministers have also discussed defence spending and lessons learned for European defence stemming from the war in Ukraine. The minister salso talked about joint venture initiatives – European-Ukrainian, using Ukraine’s experiences, including their drone expertise. The role and objectives of the logistical hub in Jasionka were also on the agenda, as was strengthening the eastern flank of NATO, including developing infrastructure for allied troops. 

The meeting in Paris follows discussions held in Warsaw, Berlin and Brussels.

>>> GALLERY – The minister of defence at the E5 Group meeting in Paris