BRUSSELS, February 3. /TASS/. Several European Union states oppose France's initiative to buy only European weapons, as it may "anger" US President-elect Donald Trump, Politico reported, citing sources.
"If at this point in time, as the EU, we’re going to be investing billions in defense capabilities and we are firmly shutting the door to US defense, do you think that will sell well in Mar-a-Lago (Trump's estate in the US state of Florida - TASS)?" the unnamed diplomat said.
France's stance could also prevent the European Union from buying Patriot surface-to-air missile systems from the United States. Former NATO procurement chief Camille Grand believes it will be difficult for France to get European countries on its side. "The fact is that a dozen countries are interested [in Sky Shield] and they already have Patriots. It’s hard in this context for the French to arrive just saying ‘no’," she said.
Grand added that the issue is unlikely to be resolved when the leaders of the 27 EU countries meet at an informal summit in Brussels on February 3.
Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron said that EU countries "should not only spend more on defense, but also have their own defense strategy." The French leader called for more support for Europe's metallurgical, automotive and chemical industries, as well as aid for agricultural producers.