US ambassador warns EU against prioritizing European weapons — Anadolu Agency

In Brussels, Belgium, US Ambassador to the European Union Andrew Puzder said that the EU’s desire to give preference to European-made weapons could fragment the transatlantic defense-industrial base.

Priority for capabilities

As Anadolu Agency reports, Puzder said during the Euronews Defense and Space Summit that capabilities and availability, rather than geographical origin, should be decisive when purchasing defense equipment.

According to him, only adversaries would benefit from losing focus on ensuring the most effective weapons for collective defense. The American diplomat also said that if a powerful adversary attacked a member state, everyone would place greater value on the superiority of weapons than on regional economic considerations.

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Puzder stressed that when human lives are at stake, the choice of a solution should be determined by capabilities and availability, not geography.

Weapons procurement

The European Commission and EU member states are advancing proposals to strengthen the bloc’s defense industry and reduce dependence on US weapons. The initiative has divided EU countries: some governments warn against protectionist measures and emphasize the importance of access to US defense capabilities.

According to Puzder, the European Commission indicated that it does not intend to prevent EU states from using national funds to purchase US weapons systems. In his view, the goal should be an alliance that confronts adversaries with unity and strength, rather than through division and self-interest.