The European Union (EU) plans to exclude US arms companies from a €150 billion ($165 billion) defense spending initiative, according to a document confirmed by the European Commission. This move represents a significant shift in trans-Atlantic relations and reflects Europe’s desire for greater independence in defense procurement and strategy.
US President Donald Trump has been pushing for this change, seeking to reduce US reliance on NATO and increase its focus on competition with China. The EU’s decision also comes amid concerns over US political unpredictability and trade tensions between the two superpowers.
The exclusion would apply to arms systems sold by countries where the US has “design authority,” such as the Patriot missile system. However, if the US signs a defense and security partnership with Brussels, the exclusion would not apply. The proposal also extends to arms companies from the UK and Turkey.
French President Emmanuel Macron has long advocated for “strategic autonomy” in European defense, calling on his allies to spend their money on continental technology instead of American-made systems like the F-35 and Patriots.
The EU’s proposed defense spending initiative is seen as a response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine and its perceived growing ambitions on the continent.
Source: https://www.newsweek.com/us-excluded-europes-165b-rearmament-project-report-2047067