Friedrich Merz’s vision of a Europe free from U.S. military dependence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Years of underfunded defense programs have left the continent heavily reliant on American support—something even top European defense insiders readily admit.
Oliver Doerre, CEO of German defense firm Hensoldt, didn’t sugarcoat the situation. Speaking to reporters this week, he pointed out the “significant deficits” in Germany’s military and emphasized that staying close to the U.S. defense industry is absolutely necessary.
And it’s not just about self-defense. Earlier this month, a European diplomat flat-out admitted that any potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine would require U.S. backing because “America has capabilities that all of Europe lacks.”
Doerre, a former German military officer, acknowledged that Europe could eventually achieve more autonomy in arms production, but not anytime soon. How long is “the medium term”? He didn’t specify, but it’s safe to assume it’s a longer timeline than what Donald Trump has in mind for a Ukraine ceasefire.
If nothing else, Europe’s forced recognition of its dependence has finally pushed leaders to talk—if not yet act—on increasing defense spending.
Meanwhile, in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer got an unwelcome surprise this week. Despite his efforts to cozy up to Brussels, Britain—along with the U.S. and Turkey—has been locked out of the EU’s €150 billion rearmament fund. All that political maneuvering, and for what?
