US Warns on EU Defense Cooperation: Deutsche Welle

Since entering office in 2017, the Trump administration embraced America First policies, urging Europe to spend more on its defense and raising doubts about US commitment for the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance. European Union member states have since pursued greater cooperation on defense and self-reliance. “The United States has decried ‘poison pills’ embedded in proposed rules which could shut third country allies such as the United States out of European defense projects,” reports Deutsche Welle. “The US concerns are focused on the seven-year, €13-billion ($14.6-billion) European Defense Fund (EDF) approved by the European Parliament in April, and the EU defense pact Permanent Structured Cooperation.” The US Ambassador to the EU has warned of possible sanctions. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini responded that the EU procurement market is more open than the US market. The German defense minister noted that NATO would benefit from Europe’s efforts. NATO’s secretary-general backs the plan as long as there is no wasteful duplication. – YaleGlobal