"Strategic autonomy" is the French name for an old idea: that Europe should be able to defend itself, arm itself and decide for itself without asking Washington. For decades most other Europeans heard it as a French wish to replace American leadership with French, and to sell French weapons. Since 2025 an American government that doubts the alliance has made the idea respectable. The argument now is over what it means in practice: whose factories get the orders, who pays, and whether building a European capacity keeps the Americans in or shows them the door.
The wider relationship and each side's full account: Europe and the United States.
Where it stands · September 2026
The European Commission has proposed simplified public tender rules with 'Buy European' criteria, reopening a split among member states over 'European preference'. The EU moves to table 'Buy European' public procurement rules aimed at reducing dependence on Chinese suppliers. The French president and the Commission's president jointly push for a stronger European space sector, with the French president calling for shared governance of space. Denmark's EIFO commits 66.7 million euros to a new European defence fund. Bremerhaven becomes a NATO hub.
What the dispute is about
Buy European. Since 2022 well over half of what European governments spent on imported arms went to American companies, because American weapons were available and proven and tie the supplier to the buyer's defence. France wants European money spent in Europe. Germany, Poland, the Nordic and Baltic states have resisted rules that would shut out their chosen suppliers.
Common debt. France, Italy and the Commission want the Union to borrow jointly for defence. Germany and the northern states refuse.
Complement or substitute. Every official text says European defence strengthens NATO. Whether a Europe able to act alone would still have American backing, or need it, is the question underneath.
