US ambassadors to NATO and the EU argue that restricting American defense industry participation in European procurement threatens transatlantic security and cooperation.
US ambassadors Andrew Puzder and Matthew Whitaker have publicly expressed their concerns about the SAFE program in a recent article, emphasizing that the NATO alliance has been a cornerstone of security for both Europe and America for decades. They argue that collaboration between the US and Europe is crucial for maintaining and strengthening this partnership, especially amid the evolving global security landscape.
The ambassadors warn that imposing barriers to American industrial involvement in European defense procurement could jeopardize transatlantic cooperation and overall security. They stress that a unified approach is necessary to address contemporary threats effectively, and restricting participation could lead to fragmentation of defense efforts at a time when solidarity is vital.
Furthermore, the article highlights that the previous Trump administration welcomed Europe's commitment to increasing defense expenditures, indicating a positive outlook towards collaborative investment. However, the concerns raised by the ambassadors reflect a broader anxiety about how protectionist measures could undermine the strategic bond between the US and Europe, which is imperative for confronting global security challenges.
