Major stumbling blocks are the plans for the development and construction of a new European jet fighter, as a future successor to the Eurofighter. France believes the new aircraft should be built in such a way that it can also deliver (French) nuclear bombs. This is with a view to a (potential) future European Defense Force, more independent from the United States, possibly even outside NATO.
Germany considers such a far-reaching upgrade of the joint design unnecessary, premature, and far too costly, according to the (veiled) criticism from Berlin. The EU Commissioners have also not yet agreed on whether future military equipment should be built and procured exclusively in EU countries or also in ‘friendly’ non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, Norway, or Australia.
The United States have already said they expect the EU countries to continue buying their weapons mainly from the US.
Promotion
Automotive Industry
Additionally, there are still disagreements within the EU countries about the future of the automotive industry. The German automotive industry wants to stick to (polluting) gasoline engines, while Commission President Ursula von der Leyen openly advocates that European car manufacturers jointly develop a small electric city car.
The divide runs along clear lines. One group of EU countries supports strong ‘buy European’ rules to protect their own industry. Other countries warn that such measures could slow investments and increase costs.
Between China and the US
The debate is not isolated. Industry and defense policy is explicitly linked to a broader strategy to also strengthen European competitiveness vis-à-vis the United States and China in global trade policy.
At the same time, there are disagreements about the development of future military equipment. Member states differ in opinions about the requirements new systems must meet and about the direction of joint projects.
Lagging Behind
There are also tensions within the European Commission itself. Commissioners disagree about the scope of proposals and the extent to which European preference should be codified in laws and regulations. Additional consultations are intended to help find compromises on the geographical scope and the practical implementation of the plans.
Meanwhile, the strengthening of the European defense industry is presented as necessary to become less dependent on the United States. The sector is being scaled up, but dependencies remain. At the same time, those involved acknowledge that Europe still lags behind in some areas.