Defense ministers of Europe's five largest military powers – Poland, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy – inaugurated the LEAP program in Krakow. This initiative involves the joint production of cheap drones and anti-drone systems. The meeting at Collegium Maius became a symbol of the pursuit of greater defense autonomy for the continent and a response to the dynamically changing combat technologies observed during the conflict in Ukraine.

LEAP Initiative

Launch of a joint program for the production of cheap drones and defense systems, utilizing wartime experiences from Ukraine.

E5 Defense Unity

Confirmation of close cooperation between Poland, Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom within NATO.

Defense Spending

Declaration of the aim to achieve a target of 5% of GDP in defense spending by member countries of the group.

European Intelligence

Proposal by Boris Pistorius to establish a European version of Five Eyes and a joint fleet of air tankers.

A key meeting of defense ministers from the E5 group took place at Collegium Maius in Krakow. The talks were attended by, among others, Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, German Minister Boris Pistorius, and the heads of the defense ministries of France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The main result of the summit is the signing of a commitment to build joint capabilities in the area of unmanned systems. The LEAP program (Low-Cost Effectors and Autonomous Platforms) is to enable mass and cheap production of drones and loitering munitions, which is a direct lesson learned from the war in Ukraine. Poland, as the host, emphasized the necessity of building a "European shield" to secure the continent's skies. The E5 format evolved from the need to coordinate the arms policy of Europe's largest economies, referencing the tradition of the Weimar Triangle, but expanding it to include the military potential of London and Rome after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022.During the press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that "Europe has woken up" and is ready to take greater responsibility for its own security within NATO. In turn, Minister Boris Pistorius suggested creating a "European Five Eyes format", which would mean an unprecedented tightening of intelligence cooperation on the continent. However, this initiative is met with skepticism in Washington, where the US administration expressed concern over clauses promoting exclusively European arms suppliers, which could weaken transatlantic cohesion. „Europe has heard the voice from across the ocean. We are determined to enhance our combat capabilities and develop our own defense industry.” — Władysław Kosiniak-KamyszThe meeting also had a dimension of strategic planning ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. The E5 group declared its aim to achieve a level of 5% of GDP in defense spending by some members, which is to send a strong signal to allies from the USA. Kaja Kallas, representing the European Union, also participated in the deliberations, highlighting the integration of industrial actions with the community's political vision.

Mentioned People

  • Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Poland, host of the summit.
  • Boris Pistorius — Federal Minister of Defense of Germany, proponent of tightening intelligence cooperation.
  • Kaja Kallas — High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.