Poland’s defense minister confirms Europe’s ‘awakening’ after Krakow meeting with E5 nations announces joint drone development agreement.
Europe Has Awakened
“Europe has awakened,” said Polish Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz after a meeting in Krakow on Friday, February 20, 2026. He emphasized Poland’s determination to enhance combat capabilities, develop its defense industry, strengthen cooperation, and fulfill all commitments made in the EU and NATO.
E5 Unity and Military Cooperation
The meeting brought together defense ministers from the E5 group: France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and Poland. Its primary objective was to confirm European unity and shared responsibility for security in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that participants reaffirmed their commitment to further action within the E5 framework: “Mutual support, military cooperation, defense industry cooperation, and fulfilling commitments, including achieving the 2% defense spending target.”
Drone Development Agreement
“We have signed an agreement on the joint development of strike capabilities using low-cost drones of common production, and on common purchases of effects, which are payloads placed on drones,” informed the Polish minister.
“Technologies and warfare techniques are changing, we must react very quickly and appropriately,” noted the head of Poland’s defense ministry.
Support for Ukraine
Participants met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, assuring him of their support. “The border of European security lies on the Ukrainian-Russian front. We are aware of this and will consistently support Ukraine in its pursuit of a just peace,” said the Polish defense minister.
The E5 Group
Along with the host, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, the meeting was attended by Defense Ministers Catherine Vautrin of France and Boris Pistorius of Germany, as well as Deputy Defense Ministers Isabella Rauti of Italy and Luke Pollard of Great Britain. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas was also present.
The E5 group consists of the militarily strongest European countries: France, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and Poland. Meetings in this format have been held since 2024.
