Politico has learned about a possible reduction in EU arms purchases from the United States

The European Union (EU) may reduce purchases of American weapons and impose heavy duties. This was reported by the Politico newspaper on April 23, citing government officials in Europe and Canada.

According to the publication, discussions are underway throughout Europe about which "cards" can be used against US President Donald Trump against the background of his trade duties. It clarifies that the proposals under consideration range from minor measures to more serious ones that could lead to a rupture in defense and economic relations between states.

"These include the search for alternative suppliers of military equipment and ammunition from among American defense contractors, the introduction of tougher retaliatory duties, the abolition of intellectual property protection measures for American companies and reducing their dependence on US technology giants," the material says.

It is noted that retaliatory measures may include the creation of new arms supply channels, strengthening the autonomy of the European military-industrial complex and the use of an "anti-coercive instrument" (ACI), clarifiesГазета.Ru ".

An unnamed EU diplomat shared that the Europeans have changed their way of thinking. According to him, representatives of the EU member states need to find a way that will work without the participation of the United States.

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On April 17, Italian journalist Vincenzo Lorusso reported on the threat to the economies of European countries posed by the trade duties imposed by Trump. According to him, this is due to the fact that a dramatic economic situation has already developed in Europe. He clarified that in Italy, the agri-food sector will suffer the most from tariffs.

On April 2, Trump announced the introduction of 10% base duties on products imported from other countries. For the European Union, this figure was raised to 20%, and for China — to 34%. On April 9, the US president announced the suspension of duties previously imposed on a number of countries for 90 days. He also announced an immediate increase in duties on products from China to 125%. On April 10, this figure reached 145%.