The European Union is making a bold—and incredibly foolish—move by pushing American defense companies out of its €150 billion ($165 billion) arms spending initiative. If that weren’t bad enough, the EU’s exclusion extends beyond U.S. manufacturers to weapons systems controlled by American design, like the battle-proven Patriot missile system. In other words, Europe wants to build up its military—just not with American expertise, technology, or industry. The only exception? If the U.S. signs a defense and security partnership with Brussels, effectively agreeing to play by EU bureaucrats’ rules.
This is just the latest in a long line of bad decisions from an increasingly reckless European leadership. French President Emmanuel Macron, in particular, has been the loudest advocate for this so-called “strategic autonomy.” Translation? Cutting America out of Europe’s defense market in favor of overpriced, underperforming European alternatives. “Those who buy Patriots, we must offer them the new-generation Franco-Italian SAMP/T,” Macron declared. “Those who buy the F-35, we must offer them the Rafale.”
Yes, you read that right. The same France that abandoned its own nuclear aircraft carrier because it couldn’t keep it operational wants to dictate military strategy to the rest of Europe. Instead of proven American weaponry, Macron is pushing the continent to rely on European-made systems, many of which are untested and inferior to their American counterparts. The political motive is clear: weaken U.S. influence, redirect taxpayer dollars toward EU defense contractors, and pretend Europe can defend itself without American backing.
Of course, this fits perfectly with President Donald Trump’s long-standing position that Europe needs to pay its fair share in NATO and take responsibility for its own defense. Trump has made it clear: the United States is not Europe’s personal piggy bank. If European leaders think they can arm themselves while shutting out the U.S., they’re in for a rude awakening.
The reality is, Europe is still hopelessly dependent on American military technology. Cutting off U.S. defense manufacturers will do nothing but slow down their own military build-up and put NATO’s readiness at risk. Meanwhile, China and Russia are watching closely, undoubtedly thrilled at the EU’s decision to prioritize virtue signaling over military effectiveness.
Brussels’ insistence on “strategic autonomy” is nothing more than a delusion. The EU wants U.S. protection but refuses to engage with U.S. industry. It wants NATO security but doesn’t want to pay its fair share. This move isn’t about strengthening Europe—it’s about posturing and political theater. And when the next crisis comes knocking, the same European leaders pushing America out today will be the first ones dialing Washington for help tomorrow.
