Afghanistan, June 25 -- The leaders of Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Poland pledged closer defense cooperation and renewed support for European security on Wednesday, as they met ahead of a NATO summit expected to focus on defense spending, alliance reform and regional security challenges.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hosted the meeting in Berlin, where leaders discussed strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and presenting a united position before NATO members gather for a summit in Ankara next month.
Merz said the July 7-8 NATO summit would provide an opportunity for European countries to demonstrate their commitment to taking greater responsibility for the continent's security. "We want to modernize this alliance and str...