The dispute highlights a major problem for Europe's defense ambitions. EU countries want to build stronger armed forces and buy more weapons together, but governments are also keen to protect jobs and factories at home.

The numbers show how difficult that cooperation remains. EU countries spent €115 billion on military equipment in 2025, but only 24% of that spending went toward joint purchases, according to the European Defence Agency.

Brussels wants that share to reach at least 40% by 2030. The EU has also launched the €150 billion SAFE loans-for-weapons program to encourage countries to buy arms together rather than separately.

But national interests continue to get in the way, with governments often reluctant to see major weapons contracts go to companies in other countries. Poland's government said it wants 89% of the almost €44 billion it is getting in SAFE funds to be spent on domestic industries.

Pistorius defended that approach, saying governments also have a responsibility to protect their economies and industries.

“I would therefore reject the criticism in your question,” he told Strack-Zimmermann. “And if there is criticism to be made, it should not be directed at Germany, but at literally all Europeans with a defense industry.”