U.S. pushes Europe to keep buying American weapons

Reuters reported this, citing sources.  

American officials have told their EU allies that they want Europe to continue purchasing U.S. weapons. However, the European Union has taken steps to limit U.S. manufacturers' participation in arms procurement tenders.  

In March, the European Commission proposed increasing the bloc's military spending and focusing on joint defense projects to reduce U.S. involvement under President Donald Trump.  

On March 25, Rubio told his counterparts from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia that Washington wants Europe to keep buying American weapons. According to two Reuters sources, he emphasized that the U.S. would react negatively to any exclusion of its companies from EU tenders.  

A northern European diplomat, speaking anonymously, confirmed receiving a similar message from U.S. officials.  

A senior State Department official stated that Rubio plans to discuss expectations for continued European arms purchases from the U.S. during his visit to Brussels this week. "This is an issue the Secretary has raised and will continue to raise," the official emphasized.

• On Thursday, April 3, a meeting of NATO foreign ministers will begin in Brussels, with Trump administration Secretary of State Marco Rubio attending for the first time.