EU Pursues Defense Self-Reliance as US and China Dominate Sector
The European Union is intensifying efforts to build an independent defense capability as the United States and China continue to dominate the global defense sector, according to DW. The push for self-reliance reflects a growing recognition among European leaders that the continent cannot afford to remain strategically dependent on external powers for its security needs.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of shifting transatlantic relations and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Russia and China. EU officials are calling for increased defense spending, greater investment in European defense industries, and reduced reliance on American weapons systems and technology. The effort faces significant challenges, including fragmented national defense budgets, differing strategic priorities among member states, and the need to rapidly scale up industrial capacity to compete with established US and Chinese defense giants.
The initiative comes against a backdrop of shifting transatlantic relations and rising geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Russia and China. EU officials are calling for increased defense spending, greater investment in European defense industries, and reduced reliance on American weapons systems and technology. The effort faces significant challenges, including fragmented national defense budgets, differing strategic priorities among member states, and the need to rapidly scale up industrial capacity to compete with established US and Chinese defense giants.