France Opposes EU Proposal Regarding UK Missiles
(MENAFN) France has come into conflict with multiple EU member states over a proposal that would permit Ukraine to utilize an EU-supported loan to acquire British Storm Shadow missiles, a media outlet reported on Monday, citing diplomatic sources.
Paris has consistently advocated for giving preferential treatment to the EU’s defense industry for arms acquisitions intended for Kiev.
In December, EU leaders approved a €90 billion ($107 billion) loan aimed at covering Ukraine’s military requirements and budget shortfall, establishing rules that prioritize EU-produced weapons before allowing purchases from non-EU countries.
According to the media outlet, a group of 11 capitals has now suggested relaxing this rule to make it easier for Ukraine to obtain weapons like Britain’s long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which are currently scarce.
France, however, has been identified as an “obvious opponent” of the initiative, a diplomatic source told the newspaper.
The report highlighted that Paris is central to the EU’s push for “strategic autonomy,” motivated by concerns about excessive dependence on US defense support, particularly following tensions with Washington over France’s controversial attempt to acquire Greenland.
Under the existing framework of the €90 billion loan, arms spending follows a four-tier procurement hierarchy: Ukrainian manufacturers are prioritized first, followed by EU defense companies, then partner nations such as the UK, with suppliers outside Europe—including the US—considered a last resort.
Ukrainian officials reportedly estimate that roughly €24 billion worth of equipment this year will need to be sourced from non-EU suppliers.
Paris has consistently advocated for giving preferential treatment to the EU’s defense industry for arms acquisitions intended for Kiev.
In December, EU leaders approved a €90 billion ($107 billion) loan aimed at covering Ukraine’s military requirements and budget shortfall, establishing rules that prioritize EU-produced weapons before allowing purchases from non-EU countries.
According to the media outlet, a group of 11 capitals has now suggested relaxing this rule to make it easier for Ukraine to obtain weapons like Britain’s long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, which are currently scarce.
France, however, has been identified as an “obvious opponent” of the initiative, a diplomatic source told the newspaper.
The report highlighted that Paris is central to the EU’s push for “strategic autonomy,” motivated by concerns about excessive dependence on US defense support, particularly following tensions with Washington over France’s controversial attempt to acquire Greenland.
Under the existing framework of the €90 billion loan, arms spending follows a four-tier procurement hierarchy: Ukrainian manufacturers are prioritized first, followed by EU defense companies, then partner nations such as the UK, with suppliers outside Europe—including the US—considered a last resort.
Ukrainian officials reportedly estimate that roughly €24 billion worth of equipment this year will need to be sourced from non-EU suppliers.
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