Europe hostage to its own defense

The recent meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, and European leaders was not just another high-level diplomatic encounter. It was, above all, a reflection of Europe's structural dependence on the United States, especially in the defense sector.

While the future of Ukraine and the stability of the international order were being discussed, behind the scenes a less visible but deeply disturbing reality was unfolding: the growing pressure on European Union countries to channel billions of euros to the American defense industry.

It's a disturbing portrait of Europe, present but not a protagonist; strategic but not sovereign; where it felt compelled to participate to avoid disappearing. Where it felt compelled to buy to please.

An asymmetric alliance

Under the pretext of transatlantic solidarity and the need to strengthen NATO, the United States has been demanding that its European allies substantially increase their military budgets. But what appears to be a call for collective responsibility hides an aggressive commercial logic, as much of these investments, in the current context, will ultimately directly benefit the American defense industry.

Europe, with its own industrial capacity and centers of excellence in defense technology, thus finds itself forced to purchase systems, weapons, and services from the US, often to the detriment of its own companies. This dependence is not only economic, it is also strategic. And it compromises the autonomy the continent so proclaims it seeks to achieve.

The numbers are staggering. Since 2022, European countries have increased their military spending, with a significant portion going to the acquisition of American equipment. Tanks, fighter jets, missile systems—all bearing the "Made in USA" seal—and all paid for with European public funds, often diverted from urgent social and infrastructure needs. This pattern of dependence raises a fundamental question: is Europe strengthening its security or financing American industrial hegemony?

The European potential, postponed

Europe possesses the technical capabilities, talent, and resources to develop a robust and competitive defense industry. France, Germany, Sweden, and Italy all have companies capable of producing cutting-edge systems. But without a common strategy and the political will to resist external pressure, this potential remains underutilized.

The August 2025 meeting in Washington, far from being a moment of European affirmation, revealed a Europe that continues to act in the interests of others. A Europe that pays dearly to be present, but rarely dictates the terms of the game.

Conclusion: autonomy or submission?

Europe and NATO need the US. But for strategic reasons, they cannot be dependent on the whims and fantasies of those whose primary motivation is the development of their domestic economy.

Europe and NATO will have to know how to curb American greed.

If, on the one hand, for example, the acquisition of the new 5th generation fighters, the F-35, from the USA becomes relevant for all they are capable of, on the other hand, it becomes imperative for Europe not only to continue developing combat technologies, but also to increase the production of weapons and ammunition, so that an acquisition policy can be balanced with a strategy for developing a defense industry, which does not start from the "pole position".

We will also have to copy the Americans in promoting the attractiveness of the armed forces, enhancing their dual use, not only in the field of civil protection, but above all in strategic and scientific development.

If Europe truly wishes to assert itself as a power, it must first free itself from the shackles that keep it militarily dependent. This requires courage, strategic vision, and, above all, a willingness to invest in itself.

Because a Europe that does not control its defense does not control its destiny.