German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has urged European Union countries to enhance their military and technological independence from the United States, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strategic partnership with the U.S. in defense and security fields.
Pistorius made these remarks during a press conference in Warsaw, Poland, following the signing of a new defense cooperation agreement between Germany and Poland. He stressed that Europe needs to develop its own capabilities in military supply chains and in the design and production of defense systems.
The German defense minister stated that European countries should increase their military procurement and production within the continent to bolster the European defense industrial base and reduce reliance on external suppliers. He added that strengthening European capabilities does not contradict ongoing close cooperation with the U.S.
He clarified that Washington remains a key partner for Europe in both military and defense industrial terms, yet the EU seeks to achieve greater balance in technological and military capabilities by relying on its own industrial and technical capacities.
In a related context, Germany and Poland signed a new military cooperation agreement, replacing a previous framework agreement that had been in place for fifteen years. The agreement aims to enhance defense cooperation between the two nations and strengthen coordination in addressing the increasing security challenges facing Europe.
This move comes as calls grow within Europe to bolster joint defense capabilities and increase military spending amid growing security tensions and challenges related to regional and international security.
Observers suggest that Pistorius's statements reflect a growing European trend toward building a more autonomous defense system while maintaining traditional alliances that have been the cornerstone of European security for decades.