US Warns EU Against Excluding American Firms From €150B Defense Initiative
US officials have voiced concerns to European allies regarding the EU’s ReArm Europe initiative, fearing it may restrict access for American defense firms. This follows the EU’s push to bolster its domestic defense industry and reduce reliance on US weapons, a trend accelerated by past US policy shifts. Secretary of State Rubio directly warned against excluding US companies from European defense tenders, highlighting the potential for negative repercussions in US-EU relations. The Trump administration, while supportive of a stronger European defense, opposes measures that would disadvantage American companies. These concerns underscore the ongoing tension between transatlantic defense cooperation and the EU’s pursuit of strategic autonomy.
John Q. Hosedrinker