The key facts

  • Wes Streeting called the 'Made in Europe' program a risk of 'destructive protectionism' for British arms companies
  • Kaja Kallas pointed to the absence of formal agreements for joint programs and procurement
  • Negotiations continue on a framework agreement for Britain's participation in EU missions

London's warning

The European Union's economic initiative 'Made in Europe', aimed at supporting manufacturers within the bloc, could weaken NATO if it restricts the participation of British companies in European defense procurement. This was stated by UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, as reported by Gazeta.Ru citing the Financial Times.

The substance of the complaints and the EU's position

At a meeting with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner for Defence Industry Andrius Kubilius, Streeting stressed that the new rules undermine economic cooperation and make the alliance 'collectively weaker'. 'The truth is that even if every NATO member could double their defense spending tomorrow, we would not be able to spend it, because the industrial base is not strong enough,' the Financial Times quoted him as saying. In the minister's assessment, the program could create 'destructive protectionism' and push British arms companies out of the European Union market.

Brussels' response and an open question

Kaja Kallas acknowledged that EU countries would benefit from cooperation with the UK's defense industry, but, according to her, there are as yet no formal agreements on the basis of which joint programs could be implemented and procurement organized. She also recalled the ongoing negotiations on a framework agreementthat would allow Britain to take part in EU civilian and military missions. Thus, the dispute remains unresolved: London is seeking access to procurement, while Brussels ties it to the conclusion of a contractual framework whose timeline has not been specified.