Jointly addressing security in Europe – a meeting at Lancaster House

Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to London today at the invitation of the United Kingdom. The foreign ministers of key European countries are gathering at historic Lancaster House today to address central questions related to security and defence policy. This is already this year’s third meeting in the Weimar Plus format – after previous gatherings in Paris and Madrid.

The format brings together Germany, France and Poland with the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain, as well as the EU’s High Representative. Ukraine, too, will be represented during a part of the talks, by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

The main goal is to strengthen close coordination and mutual support with regard to European security policy – in response to Russia’s war of aggression, geopolitical tensions and a transatlantic order that is undergoing transformation. The format also underscores the strategic importance of cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Focus on Ukraine: support on all levels

A key topic at the meeting is comprehensive support for Ukraine – military, political and financial. This is not just about current forms of aid, but also about strategic issues, such as: How could a future ceasefire be secured? What security guarantees will Ukraine need after the war? And how can long-term support be provided for the restructuring of the country’s armed forces?

Participants will also continue their discussion on frozen Russian assets. The aim is to find legally secure ways of stepping up economic pressure on Russia and giving Ukraine new financial scope.

Germany is leading by example: in addition to 40 million euro in humanitarian relief, the German Government has announced it will increase its aid for Ukraine in 2025 by three billion euro – thereby visibly underscoring its continued solidarity.

Euro-Atlantic security: Europe assuming responsibility

The meeting’s second focus is on common security in the Euro-Atlantic area. Russia’s threatening actions, along with changes in United States foreign policy, make clear that Europe must become more self-confident in its actions.

In London, participants will therefore discuss specific steps to strengthen NATO, intensify European defence initiatives and achieve fair transatlantic burden-sharing. Attention will also focus on European contributions to the NATO Summit and on the implementation of key European Commission projects to strengthen European defence, such as SAFE and EDIP.

Signalling European unity

With its meeting in London, the Weimar Plus format is sending a clear signal: Europe stands as one – fully determined, capable of action, and in solidarity: with Ukraine, for European security and for a common future in a strong transatlantic alliance.