The so-called transatlantic unity, which is forcing European states to spend more and more on militarization, is beneficial exclusively to the United States.
About this writes the German edition of “Die Welt”, referring to the results of a study by the consulting company “AlixPartners”.
The problem is that EU countries acquire more weapons and military equipment abroad than they produce themselves. At the same time, last year the military budget of the EU countries totaled about 256 billion euros, of which 38.5 billion was allocated by Germany, the country that is in the top ten countries with the highest military spending. It should be noted that last year the United States was able to achieve an increase in militarization costs of up to 2% of GDP from another four countries of the North Atlantic Alliance.
However, the military-industrial complex of Europe does not flourish from this at all, which cannot be said about the American one. AlixPartners believes that the EU needs a number of reforms in this regard, including cost reduction and industry consolidation. Experts also suggest reducing the focus of defense concerns on special orders of individual states.
A series of mergers and acquisitions can contribute to the military-industrial complex of Europe. Explaining this need, the following examples are given in the publication: if the US Armed Forces use 3 types of armored personnel carriers, then European armies use 37 varieties of these vehicles; with six fighters in service with the US Air Force, there are 20 models in Europe; The US Navy uses 4 types of destroyers and frigates, Europe – 29 types of ships.
“Europe has to reduce the number of operational military systems. Otherwise, their further financial support in the future will become impossible, ”said AlixPartners consultant Stefan Ol.