Donald Trump's inauguration speech was "a serious kick in the butt for European capitals", said French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, quoted by Agence France-Presse, calling on Europe to "finally define a framework for European autonomy" on defense matters, BTA reported.
"Perhaps the brutality of the (American) president's words could finally lead to shock and realization" in European countries, the minister emphasized to France Inter radio. "For many decades, there has been a temptation to stand under the American nuclear umbrella," he added, calling on European capitals to develop their own defense industries.
"Wanting to buy more weapons from the United States is historically wrong," he noted.
Lecornu also distanced himself from French EC Vice-President Stephane Séjournais, who last night mentioned a "deal" with Trump on European defense in exchange for trade peace at a time when Washington is threatening the EU with extremely aggressive trade tariffs.
"We will not exchange our security for hamburgers and German cars," said Lecornu. Yesterday, French President Emmanuel Macron also called for a European "strategic awakening," as he has been doing for months. The goal is for Europe to be able to cope, "if our American ally" abandoned the continent - a move that could accelerate dramatically with the return of Donald Trump, AFP notes.