German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius rejected criticism that Germany prioritises its arms industry over European defence cooperation. Speaking at the Berlin Security Conference on Wednesday, he said Germany wanted closer cooperation and was acting no differently from other countries.
Pistorius was responding to Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee. The FDP politician accused Germany of focusing too heavily on weapons made by German manufacturers instead of working with European partners.
Countries regularly call for more cooperation and joint arms projects, Pistorius said. But when decisions have to be made, each country also insists that its own industry must not fall behind, he added.
Sources: Politico Europe.