France calls for closer defense cooperation

In an interview with the German daily “Die Welt”, S. Sejourne called for more “standardization of weapons systems at the European level”.

According to him, this is not about fostering “competing standards” within NATO, but about “strengthening the European part” of the military alliance.

“The development of the European defense industry should not replace, but complement” NATO, asserted S. Sejourne.

“We have to purchase a second life insurance policy,” said the minister.

Concerns about what the U.S. commitment to NATO would look like if former President Donald Trump is re-elected this year have fueled debate over Europe’s military preparedness.

According to S. Sejourne, Washington would remain a strong partner in the field of defense, but Europe must develop its “sovereignty and strategic autonomy”.

France’s foreign minister echoed comments made by President Emmanuel Macron in a speech on Thursday.

E. Macron warned that in the face of the invasion of Ukraine, Europe faces the existential threat of Russian aggression.

He urged the continent to develop a “credible” defense strategy that is less dependent on the US.

In his speech, the President also stated that he will turn to European partners with a request for proposals in the coming months.