The U.S. administration has warned that it could take retaliatory measures if the European Union (EU) excludes American companies from its efforts to rearm the continent and instead favors domestic arms manufacturers.
According to a report by Politico, the Pentagon opposes the EU’s initiative to prioritize purchasing weapons from European producers.
After the European Commission requested feedback from governments and industry on updated European arms procurement rules that may shift focus toward local production, the U.S. administration sent a response to Brussels.
‘There Could Be Consequences’
In its response, Washington strongly objected to any amendments to the directive that would restrict U.S. industry from supporting or otherwise contributing to the national defense procurement of EU member states.
The United States Department of Defense warned that any EU initiative aimed at limiting American arms manufacturers’ access to the European market could trigger countermeasures.
Warning of ‘Retaliation’ Against Brussels
The U.S. administration cautioned that it would retaliate against Brussels if European countries were to force American defense companies out of the market.
Washington argues that including a “Buy European” clause in defense procurement would weaken NATO and jeopardize European countries’ ability to meet agreed alliance capability targets.
European Commission’s Plan
The European Commission plans to update its defense procurement rules. As part of this effort, discussions are underway on whether to introduce binding requirements to support European manufacturers.
Approximately two-thirds of the weapons imported by EU countries are supplied by the United States. However, EU member states aim to increase the share of their own companies in defense procurement.