Weimar Triangle: Defense Ministers of Germany, Poland, France meet to Strengthen European Security
On 24th June 2024, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius met with his French and Polish counterparts, Sébastien Lecornu and Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The meeting took place in Paris and is a consecutive meeting within the Weimar Triangle format. This most current meeting focused again on crucial security issues facing Europe and NATO. The three Ministers of defense are emphasizing unity and cooperation among the three nations.
Key Discussions and Outcomes
Continued Support for Ukraine
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. They agreed to ensure long-term assistance, particularly through the “NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine” (NSATU) program.
Aid for Moldova
The Weimar Triangle also addressed the security concerns of Moldova. The ministers agreed in proposing the procurement of short-range air defense systems and associated training. The efforts will be funded by the European Peace Facility (EPF). Germany pledged bilateral support to Moldova in developing infantry capabilities, drone defense, and air defense over the coming years. Long ago are the times when Germany’s chancellor Angela Merkel only provided warm words to the people in Moldova.
Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank
The ministers emphasized the importance of maintaining strong deterrence capabilities in light of the tense security situation in Europe. They highlighted the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC), set to be fully operational by 2025, with Germany and Poland each leading an EU Battlegroup.
The EU RDC is a quick reaction force established by the European Union to enhance its ability to respond swiftly to crises. The EU RDC is designed to be fully operational by 2025. Germany and Poland will each leading an EU Battlegroup. This force will consist in total of 5,000 soldiers. They can be deployed within 10 to 25 days to any location within a 6,000-kilometer radius of Brussels. This is a circle from the North pole to the Equator. The EU RDC aims to strengthen Europe’s defense and deterrence capabilities, particularly in response to external threats and to support NATO’s strategic objectives.
NATO Summit Preparations
As the 75th anniversary NATO summit in Washington approaches (9-11th July 2024), the ministers discussed key topics in preparation of the summit. Topics as such are burden-sharing, deterrence and defense, industrial capacities, Ukraine support and partnership. They advocated for unity among allies and stressed Europe’s readiness to take on more responsibility within the alliance.
Joint Military Exercise of Weimar Triangle in 2025
The ministers announced a joint military exercise of the Weimar Triangle format, scheduled for 2025 in Poland. This exercise aims to enhance the visibility and cooperation of the three countries’ armed forces.
Defense Industry Cooperation
Minister Pistorius emphasized the need for targeted promotion of armaments cooperation between partners. He stressed the importance of consolidating national requirements to provide the defense industry with planning security for capacity expansion.
Conclusion
The Weimar Triangle meeting in Paris demonstrated the commitment of Germany, France, and Poland to strengthening European security and NATO’s capabilities. Focus was on collaborative efforts in supporting Ukraine and Moldova. All three agreed in enhancing deterrence and promoting defense industry cooperation. Within the format of Weimar Triangle the three nations are taking significant steps towards a more secure and united Europe.
Background “Weimar Triangle”
The “Weimar Triangle” is a diplomatic initiative established in 1991 to foster cooperation between Germany, France, and Poland. It aims to strengthen European integration and address common political, economic, and security challenges. The format allows for regular meetings between the three countries’ leaders and ministers to discuss and coordinate their policies on various issues, including EU affairs, NATO cooperation, and regional security.
Source: BMVg
