**Brussels**: US officials have signalled strong objections to EU defence procurement plans favouring European manufacturers, urging continued access for American arms firms. The ReArm Europe initiative, aimed at bolstering EU military industry autonomy, risks reshaping defence ties within NATO and straining transatlantic cooperation on security and arms sales.
U.S. officials have recently conveyed to their European allies a clear preference for continued procurement of American-made arms, amid evolving policies within the European Union (EU) aimed at reshaping the continent’s defence industry. The communications, reported by multiple sources familiar with the discussions, reflect growing tensions as the EU works to bolster its own weapons manufacturing capabilities, potentially limiting participation by U.S. defence contractors in its upcoming tender processes.
The backdrop to the diplomatic exchanges includes a significant policy shift initiated under U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which has prompted unease among European allies. Early in Trump’s term, actions such as temporarily reducing military support for Ukraine and easing diplomatic pressure on Russia raised concerns about the reliability of the United States as a security partner. Concurrently, the EU has been advancing measures designed to increase military spending and foster collaboration on defence projects within its member states.
A key development occurred in mid-March when the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, proposed a comprehensive plan to amplify military budgets and encourage the pooling of resources across member countries for joint defence initiatives—part of a broader strategy known as “ReArm Europe.” This proposal includes borrowing an estimated 150 billion euros to support defence projects. However, it also raises questions about access to these projects and funding for non-EU companies, including those headquartered in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a meeting on 25 March with the foreign ministers of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, explicitly underscored the U.S. preference for ongoing participation in EU defence procurements. According to two sources who spoke to Reuters, Rubio indicated that any exclusionary practices toward U.S. companies would be viewed negatively by Washington, which was understood as a direct reference to the EU proposals. Additionally, a northern European diplomat, not involved in that Baltic meeting, reported similar recent warnings from U.S. officials regarding the perceived inappropriateness of excluding American firms from EU arms tenders.
Rubio’s agenda includes further discussions on this topic during his visit to Brussels for the NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting. A senior State Department official confirmed, “It’s a point the secretary has raised and will continue to raise.” The spokesperson for the State Department added, “Transatlantic defence industrial cooperation makes the Alliance stronger,” while welcoming European efforts to enhance their own defence capabilities as well as to take greater responsibility for their security. However, the spokesperson cautioned against the establishment of new barriers that might restrict U.S. companies from participating in European defence procurement processes.
While Latvia and Estonia have not provided comment on these developments and Lithuania’s foreign ministry declined to comment, the implications of this policy divergence are notable. The Trump administration’s dual objectives—to encourage European allies to boost defence spending and to open foreign markets for U.S. manufacturers—are pulling in opposite directions regarding European defence cooperation.
The EU’s push for greater self-reliance in arms manufacturing comes amidst broader geopolitical uncertainties and questions about the future extent of U.S. military engagement in Europe. Many EU governments support a pan-European defence approach, but debates loom over aspects such as governance of joint projects, operational control, and financial mechanisms.
These developments underscore the complexity of transatlantic defence relations at a time when strategic priorities and industrial policies are rapidly evolving. The Reuters report highlights that while efforts by the U.S. to sustain arms sales to Europe continue, European initiatives like ReArm Europe could fundamentally reshape the landscape of defence procurement and industrial cooperation within the NATO alliance framework.
Source: Noah Wire Services
