Media: Germany, Netherlands oppose French plan to restrict Ukraine to EU-made arms

Germany and the Netherlands are opposing France’s attempt to restrict Ukraine from using the EU’s €90 billion loan to buy U.S. weapons.

EU leaders approved the package in December, but member states must still agree on its conditions, prompting tense negotiations with Paris, which wants the funds to favour EU defence companies.

President Emmanuel Macron argues that prioritising European firms will strengthen the bloc’s defence industry, even if Ukraine cannot immediately obtain the systems it needs. Most countries, led by Berlin and The Hague, counter that Kyiv must have flexibility to purchase urgently needed non-EU weapons, including U.S. air defence systems, F-16 parts and deep-strike capabilities, according to documents cited by POLITICO.

Germany and the Netherlands support a general “Buy European” preference but reject France’s bid to limit procurement strictly to EU companies. Only Greece and Cyprus back the French position. Berlin has proposed allowing purchases from non-EU defence firms, warning that restrictions would undermine Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The Netherlands has suggested allocating at least €15 billion for weapons not currently available in Europe.

Over two-thirds of the EU package is expected to fund military needs. With the European Commission set to unveil its plan within days, capitals are pushing to shape key provisions. Diplomats say France’s stance risks losing sight of the priority of strengthening Ukraine’s defences against Russia, and note that any French veto could be overridden by a simple majority.

Germany has also proposed giving preference to firms from countries that have provided the most bilateral support to Ukraine, a move seen by diplomats as a way to benefit German industry while encouraging greater contributions from other member states.

By Tamilla Hasanova