- WIADOMOŚCI
Washington does not want a militarily autonomous Europe
US has threatened to retaliate against European countries if they decide to favour domestic weapons-makers at the cost of limiting American ones.
Europe functions in times of uncertainty, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the unpredictable political decisions of Donald Trump. Earlier this month, a European Commission consultation took place, after which the EU’s executive branch requested feedback from its governments and industries on European weapons procurement rules.
The US responded, “The United States strongly opposes any changes to the Directive that would limit US industry’s ability to support or otherwise participate in EU member state national defence procurements.”
“Protectionist and exclusionary policies that strong-arm American companies out of the market — when Europe’s largest defence firms continue to greatly benefit from market access in the United States — are the wrong course of action„” US administration added.
Such a claim from the US side may sound quite ironic, especially in the face of Donald Trump constantly reminding Europe to take responsibility for its own security and raise military spending. “Yes, we want Europe to step up and become more self-sufficient, as long as they keep buying our products,” he should’ve said.
Europe has been dependent on American equipment for decades. Currently, almost two-thirds of the weapons imported to Europe are of American origin. An update of the procurement directive is expected to be presented later this year. For now, it is still unclear whether there will be any new rules favouring European weapons-manufacturers. “The EU is already favouring local companies in projects such as the €150 billion loans-for-weapons SAFE program and for arms purchases that Ukraine can make with the recently agreed €90 billion loan to Kyiv. EU money can be used to purchase military equipment only if at least 65 percent of the gear’s value is sourced in Europe„” Politico explains.
The US warns that if further changes in law occur, the American side will shut access to its market for European manufacturers. “European preference language has already featured across EU programs, but its inclusion in the Directive would be a turning point in impacting individual member states’ sovereign, national budgets,” US administration wrote.
