Media: EU to tackle defence dependency on US

The European Union is planning to reduce its reliance on the United States in the defence sector ahead of the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the US presidency.

French newspaper Le Figaro highlights that Trump's election, which raised doubts about the continued US membership in NATO, has spurred discussions within the EU about the need for greater strategic autonomy, Caliber.Az reports.

European leaders are actively seeking to agree on the necessary measures to develop a common defence policy, as EU member states are still far from achieving a unified defence market.

The EU’s defence sector remains fragmented, with various players competing for export opportunities, the newspaper notes.

Diego de Ojeda García Pardo, head of the European Commission’s defence and security policy division, expressed concern over the current situation, stating:

“We are now in an even more fragile position in terms of defence because our reserves are depleted. We lack funds, stockpiles, and production capacities.”

The issue of defence will become a key focus during the second term of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Le Figaro concludes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev