Susanna Riva The regular E5 Defense meeting took place in Paris on October 26, bringing together the defense ministers of Italy, France, Germany, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Also in attendance were the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, Kaja Kallas, the European Commissioner for Defense, Andrius Kubilius, and NATO Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Shekerinska.
The debate focused on the Ukrainian crisis, the prospects for peace, and new European financial instruments aimed at strengthening the continent's defense capacity.
Italy remains committed to Kiev
Defense Minister Guido Crosetto emphasized that Italy's support for Ukraine is a commitment made at the international, European, and Atlantic levels.
"We consider the Ukrainian situation to be extremely dangerous for Europe's security , and for this reason, this aid is not a gesture toward a third nation, but an investment in our future," the minister declared, adding that Rome will continue to provide assistance "to the extent of its capabilities." This statement was accompanied by the presentation of the thirteenth military aid package, structured as an interministerial decree involving the Defense, Foreign, and Economy ministries.
The Thirteenth Military Aid Package
The new package, the details of which have yet to be made public, was developed by the Defence General Staff and includes the use of accelerated procedures to ensure the rapid delivery of vehicles, materials, and equipment. To date, previous packages have included SAMP/T , Stinger missiles , Lince armored vehicles, ammunition, machine guns, and protective equipment. According to an assessment by the Istituto Affari Internazionali, the overall value of Italian military assistance has exceeded €3 billion . In 2026, the authorization for the transfer of these goods has been extended until December 31, with priority given to logistical, healthcare, and protection needs against air, missile, drone, and cyber attacks . The costs are partially reimbursed by the EU through the European Peace Facility.
EU declarations and new defence initiatives
High Representative Kaja Kallas painted a much bleaker picture: "There is little hope for imminent peace in Ukraine," she said, warning that the country is bracing for "another brutal winter of war." For the EU, the priority remains helping Kiev resist Russian attacks and increasing costs for Moscow . This month, the Union adopted the most extensive restrictive measures against Russia since the beginning of the conflict and is considering further sanctions. Kallas also praised European naval operations, citing the Aspides intervention in the Red Sea, which is crucial for ensuring the free flow of goods and oil in the face of Houthi attacks.
SAFE 2.0 and the €21 billion tender
Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius announced the launch of the new SAFE 2.0 instrument , including a €21 billion call for proposals, not yet used in the first round of the program. These funds will be allocated to joint projects with Ukraine, including support for the Freyja anti-missile project and assistance to Ukraine's urgently needed space services. The goal is to strengthen Europe's autonomous deterrence capacity , without abandoning traditional Atlantic cooperation.
Maritime security and international cooperation
Kaja Kallas thanked Italy, France, and Greece for their contribution to Operation Aspides , noting that more than 60 countries have joined the commitment against illegal tolls on international routes. The High Representative also warned of a possible new round of escalation between the United States and Iran, recalling that "any escalation would only create losers" and worsen global instability. In this context, industrial cooperation is crucial: NATO Vice President Radmila Shekerinska reiterated that "the more we produce, the more we can support Ukraine," calling on allies to intensify arms production and strengthen air and missile defense.