US Opposes Restrictions on Participation in European Defense Tenders
Tensions between the US and EU are rising over European plans to restrict American manufacturers’ participation in defense tenders. US high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, express concern about the potential impact of such restrictions on the transatlantic partnership.
Diplomatic Tension Between US and EU in Defense Procurement
US representatives are actively responding to European initiatives to develop their own defense industry, expressing concerns about possible restrictions for American weapons manufacturers in the EU market. During a recent meeting with Baltic foreign ministers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio clearly outlined Washington’s position on the importance of maintaining US companies’ access to the European arms market.
According to Reuters, at the March 25 meeting, Rubio emphasized to his Baltic colleagues the importance of continuing US participation in EU defense procurement. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that any exclusion of American companies from European tenders would provoke a negative reaction in Washington.
A diplomatic source from Northern Europe, who was not present at the meeting, further confirmed that American officials consider any restrictions on EU weapons procurement inappropriate. This issue is expected to become one of the key topics during the upcoming NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, where Rubio plans to discuss prospects for further cooperation in detail.
A US State Department representative emphasized that while Washington welcomes European countries’ desire to strengthen their own defense capabilities, creating new barriers for US companies’ participation in European defense projects could negatively impact the transatlantic partnership. Of particular concern are EU steps toward developing its own arms industry and potential restrictions on purchasing certain types of American weapons.
The situation demonstrates growing tension between transatlantic partners in the defense industry sector. Further developments will depend on the parties’ ability to find a compromise solution that satisfies the interests of both European weapons manufacturers and American companies.
