Donald Trump's inauguration speech was "a serious kick in the ass for European capitals", said French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu, quoted by Agence France-Presse, calling on Europe to "finally define a framework for European autonomy" on defense matters.
"Perhaps the brutality of the (American) president's words could finally lead to shock and awareness" 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 industry.
"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 aim is for Europe to be able to cope "if our American ally" abandons the continent - a move that could be dramatically accelerated with the return of Donald Trump, AFP notes.