Europe's 'E5' pledge 5% defence spending and a Hormuz naval mission, without Spain
Merz, Macron, Meloni, Starmer and Tusk meet in Berlin to harden NATO's European pillar before Ankara, sidelining Madrid over the 5% target
Summary
Germany's Friedrich Merz hosted Emmanuel Macron, Giorgia Meloni, Keir Starmer and Donald Tusk in Berlin, where the five agreed to push national defence spending toward 5% of GDP and to back a NATO naval mission to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. They reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the Iran ceasefire ahead of the July 7-8 Ankara summit. Spain was pointedly excluded, with Madrid's refusal to commit to 5% cited as the reason, the latest sign of a two-speed Europe on defence. Merz also voiced regret at Starmer's looming departure from office.
Why it matters
The "E5" format concentrates Europe's defence direction in five capitals and marginalises holdouts like Spain, hardening the bloc's military core before Ankara. The Hormuz mission would mark a European naval commitment east of Suez, tying the continent's spending pledge to a live Gulf chokepoint.
What to watch
- Whether the 5% pledge survives contact with national budgets and Spain's objections.
- The mandate and force composition of any European Hormuz naval mission.
- How the E5 line lands at the full Ankara summit.