[Text/Observer Network, Zhang Jingjuan] The European Commission recently released a white paper, proposing to increase defense spending, but this time American arms manufacturers have been excluded from this budget.
On February 2nd, Reuters cited five sources familiar with the matter as saying that US Secretary of State Rubio has told European allies that they hope the EU will continue to purchase American weapons.
The report said that the US government's brief interruption of military aid to Ukraine and its easing of pressure on Russia have deeply unsettled the EU, with many people questioning whether the US is a reliable partner.
Currently, Europe has begun preparing for the gradual withdrawal of the US from European security and defense. The European Commission released a defense white paper titled "Ready by 2030" on March 19th, proposing to increase defense spending, concentrate resources for joint defense, and purchase more European weapons. This move aims to ensure that Europe has "strong and sufficient" defense by 2030.
According to relevant documents, American arms manufacturers have been excluded from the EU's new defense spending plan. Newsweek commented that "this marks a significant shift in transatlantic relations."
Experts stated that some proposed measures may mean that non-EU companies, including those headquartered in the US and UK, will play a smaller role.
Source persons informed Reuters that at a meeting on March 25th, Rubio told the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia that the US hopes to continue participating in the defense procurement of EU countries.
Two source persons said that Rubio stated that any approach excluding American companies from European tenders would be seen by Washington as a negative action.
A Nordic diplomat who did not attend the meeting said that US officials have also recently told them that any exclusion of American companies from EU weapons procurement would be considered inappropriate.
A senior official from the US Department of State told Reuters that Secretary of State Rubio plans to discuss during his visit to Brussels the matter of EU countries continuing to purchase American weapons. Rubio will visit Brussels from April 2nd to 4th to attend the NATO meeting.
This official said, "This is an issue that the Secretary of State has already raised and will continue to raise."
A spokesperson for the US Department of State said that Trump welcomes recent efforts by European allies to "strengthen defense capabilities and take responsibility for their own security," but warned against setting new barriers that would exclude American companies from European defense projects.
The spokesperson stated, "Transatlantic defense industry cooperation makes this alliance stronger."
Reportedly, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Estonia did not respond to requests for comment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania refused to comment on this matter.
Rubio Video Screenshot
Reuters believes that America's concern about the EU restricting purchases of American weapons reflects tensions at the center of the Trump administration's European policy.
Trump urged European allies to increase defense spending and take greater responsibility for their own security. Given President Trump's suggestion that his commitment to NATO is not absolute, the EU is seeking self-sufficiency while doing so.
This runs counter to another goal of the Trump administration, which is to open foreign markets to American manufacturers.
In addition to the white paper, the European Commission submitted a series of proposals on March 19th, including a loan of 15 billion euros (approximately 1.18 trillion RMB) for defense spending, which is only available to EU countries and friendly countries outside the EU.
Many governments of EU countries expressed approval for this approach. However, how it will operate may become a topic of heated discussion in the future, including who should have the authority to decide on joint projects, who should manage these projects, and how funding for these projects should be provided.
Local time on March 19th, the European Commission released the "Ready by 2030" defense white paper. Video Screenshot
Reportedly, like previous administrations, the Trump administration has been pushing European countries to buy American weapons, including at this year's Munich Security Conference. Some sources believe that Washington's recent messages are a continuation of American policy.
A few sources said that as the EU becomes more resolute in breaking away from dependence on American weapons, the US has also increased its focus on this issue in recent weeks.
A senior European source said, "They are uneasy about the new proposals from the EU and the exclusion of American arms manufacturers."
Politico Europe previously analyzed that overseas sales are not just a benefit; they are crucial for maintaining the operation of the US defense industry. By 2024, the total value of US overseas arms sales and direct commercial sales is expected to reach $317 billion. If Washington's allies begin to turn elsewhere, even if the current options on the European continent are limited, any gradual shift could ultimately weaken the broader US defense ecosystem.
The US defense industry also warned policymakers that if European allies attempt to break free from reliance on American weapons, they should be aware of the risks involved.
This article is an exclusive piece from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.
Original text: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7488723335845626407/
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