Washington's top diplomat to the European Union has sharply criticised Brussels' efforts to favour European-made weapons, warning that such a policy could fracture the transatlantic defence industry and play into the hands of adversaries. Ambassador Andrew Puzder made the remarks on Wednesday at Euronews' Defence and Space summit in Brussels.
“Only our enemies benefit when we lose focus on making sure we have the most effective weapons, supporting our mutual defence,” Puzder said. He added that in a crisis, “capability and availability should determine the solution, not geography.”
The European Commission and several member states have floated proposals to prioritise domestic arms manufacturers, aiming to reduce Europe's heavy reliance on US defence equipment. The push has gained momentum amid growing doubts about Washington's reliability under President Donald Trump, whose administration has both demanded greater European self-reliance and threatened to seize Greenland.
Transatlantic tensions over defence procurement
Puzder's intervention underscores a widening rift between Washington and Brussels over defence industrial policy. The Pentagon has lobbied hard against the EU's “Buy European” approach, even as the White House presses NATO allies to shoulder more of the burden for their own security.
The EU's proposals have also divided member states. Some governments, particularly those with close defence ties to the US, warn against over-protectionism, pointing to the sheer scale and technological edge of America's arms industry. Others, led by France, argue that Europe must develop its own strategic autonomy in defence.
Speaking to the European Parliament's defence committee on Tuesday, NATO's top military commander, Alexus Grynkewich, echoed Puzder's concerns, cautioning that “codifying preferences as to where military hardware is made” would only benefit Europe's adversaries.
Puzder did acknowledge some progress. He praised the European Commission for allowing American defence equipment to be purchased under the bloc's recent €90 billion loan package for Ukraine. He said Washington would lobby for similar provisions in future EU defence initiatives.
“We'll keep having candid conversations. Sometimes we're going to disagree. Generally, I believe we will agree,” Puzder said. He also noted that the EU executive had indicated it had “no intention” of blocking member states from using national funds to buy US weapon systems.
The debate comes as European leaders prepare to discuss defence readiness at a Brussels summit on defence and hybrid threats. The meeting is expected to address funding shortfalls, with Ukraine funding shortfalls dominating EU defence ministers' talks.
Analysts say the outcome of this procurement battle will shape the future of the transatlantic alliance. While Washington wants to keep European orders flowing to its defence giants, Brussels is under pressure to build a more self-sufficient industrial base. The stakes are high, not just for the two sides of the Atlantic but for the security of the entire continent.
