European NATO powers pledge expanded defence role after Paris talks

Defence ministers from the five main European members of NATO pledged on October 26, 2026, to take greater responsibility for security across the continent. France 24 and Türkiye Today both reported that representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Britain met for talks in Paris. The ministers stated that Europe must assume more responsibility for its own security while reaffirming that the United States remains an indispensable ally. [1][4]

The meeting gathered the E5 group, which brings together the defence ministers of the five largest military spenders and biggest powers in Europe. According to the Daily Express, President Alexander Stubb of Finland warned during a speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, that European allies need to build new security structures in response to growing Russian aggression. He warned that global security now depends on whether big powers choose cooperation or confrontation. [1][2][7]

The security discussions follow earlier alliance developments reported by FTMQ News, including NATO commander Alexus Grynkewich introducing a military strategy called the Theory of War to deter attacks against member states. Additionally, tension over alliance contributions arose when Downing Street publicly criticized United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after he downplayed the role of non-American coalition forces in the war in Afghanistan. [11][12]