Macron Calls for EU to Move Away from U.S. Arms Manufacturers
The French president has emphasized that the European Union should focus on developing European-made weapons and reduce its dependence on US-made alternatives. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the EU's rearmament initiatives would...
TroibNews 
The French president has emphasized that the European Union should focus on developing European-made weapons and reduce its dependence on US-made alternatives.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the EU's rearmament initiatives would be more effective if member states shifted away from purchasing American weapons and began to utilize European defense manufacturers. His remarks came in an interview published by French media on Saturday.
Macron's statements followed a recent proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which aims to mobilize up to €800 billion to bolster the bloc's collective defense. Known as the ReArm Europe initiative, this plan includes financial incentives for EU member states to increase military spending and suggests providing €150 billion in loans for collaborative defense projects. The initiative is designed to address the perceived "threat" from Russia, a claim that Moscow has dismissed as unfounded.
In the interview, Macron disclosed that he had recently met with leaders from the French defense industry to motivate them to establish themselves as viable alternatives to US suppliers.
“I suggested to manufacturers that they could, on systems where we have the best products, approach European states that have gotten used to buying American,” Macron said.
“Those who buy Patriots, we must offer them the new generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy the F-35s, we must offer them the Rafale,” he continued, referencing US missile defense systems and fighter jets along with their European counterparts.
To enhance the appeal of European alternatives, Macron acknowledged the necessity for defense companies to reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve production efficiency. He also connected this matter to rising economic tensions with the United States, pointing out the recent threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU goods.
“Faced with unpredictable powers, we simply need to be less dependent on them. This means accelerating our sovereignty policy, notably by developing our own production and strategic culture, to be more independent in matters of defense and technology,” he stated.
Macron indicated that he intends to discuss his proposals with incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the near future.
A report published last week by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute revealed that Europe’s arms imports have more than doubled over the past five years compared to the preceding five-year period, with two-thirds of these imports originating from the US, an increase from just over half in the previous timeframe. SIPRI researcher Pieter Wezeman remarked that although Europe has initiated steps to strengthen its defense industry, dependency on American arms remains entrenched.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this article for TROIB News
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the EU's rearmament initiatives would be more effective if member states shifted away from purchasing American weapons and began to utilize European defense manufacturers. His remarks came in an interview published by French media on Saturday.
Macron's statements followed a recent proposal from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, which aims to mobilize up to €800 billion to bolster the bloc's collective defense. Known as the ReArm Europe initiative, this plan includes financial incentives for EU member states to increase military spending and suggests providing €150 billion in loans for collaborative defense projects. The initiative is designed to address the perceived "threat" from Russia, a claim that Moscow has dismissed as unfounded.
In the interview, Macron disclosed that he had recently met with leaders from the French defense industry to motivate them to establish themselves as viable alternatives to US suppliers.
“I suggested to manufacturers that they could, on systems where we have the best products, approach European states that have gotten used to buying American,” Macron said.
“Those who buy Patriots, we must offer them the new generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T. Those who buy the F-35s, we must offer them the Rafale,” he continued, referencing US missile defense systems and fighter jets along with their European counterparts.
To enhance the appeal of European alternatives, Macron acknowledged the necessity for defense companies to reduce costs, streamline processes, and improve production efficiency. He also connected this matter to rising economic tensions with the United States, pointing out the recent threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU goods.
“Faced with unpredictable powers, we simply need to be less dependent on them. This means accelerating our sovereignty policy, notably by developing our own production and strategic culture, to be more independent in matters of defense and technology,” he stated.
Macron indicated that he intends to discuss his proposals with incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the near future.
A report published last week by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute revealed that Europe’s arms imports have more than doubled over the past five years compared to the preceding five-year period, with two-thirds of these imports originating from the US, an increase from just over half in the previous timeframe. SIPRI researcher Pieter Wezeman remarked that although Europe has initiated steps to strengthen its defense industry, dependency on American arms remains entrenched.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this article for TROIB News
