On Thursday, 29 January, AmCham EU hosted a roundtable focused on defence policy with Andrew Puzder, US Ambassador to the European Union and Matthew Whitaker, US Ambassador to NATO. With senior leaders from US companies active in Europe’s defence markets, the discussion focused on the evolving defence policy landscape at the EU and NATO and the importance of transatlantic industrial cooperation in responding to today’s security challenges. Participants exchanged views on how openness of EU regulation, procurement and funding initiatives can better support speed, scale and interoperability among NATO Allies while building on the strengths of the transatlantic defence industrial base. 

The 2025 NATO summit saw Allies reaffirm their commitment to collective defence and enhance the long-term resilience of the Alliance through increased defence spending. In a contested geopolitical environment, carrying forward the legacy of transatlantic defence cooperation is an essential pillar of regional stability.

Businesses have long thrived from the security brought about by transatlantic defence cooperation, but they have also played a role in sustaining it. For decades, the European and American defence industries have been closely integrated, partnering through co-development, co-production and co-sustainment projects to meet the region’s defence needs. American companies remain committed to working with European companies and governments to continue meeting these needs.  

Maximising the potential of this transatlantic defence industrial cooperation requires stronger institutional coordination between the EU and NATO. NATO should remain the central actor guiding interoperability and standardisation among Allies. The EU, for its part, must continue to support these objectives with aligned policies and investments. Cooperating in this way will improve efficiency and ensure both institutions build on their respective strengths. 

The European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) is a welcome addition to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) and Europe’s security. However, to succeed, the EU will need to increase its collaboration with like-minded third-country partners, facilitate the participation of valuable contributors owned by third-country entities from allied countries, ensure sufficient flexibility, integrate advanced technologies as well as support the completion of the Single Market for financial services. Only in this way can the EU overcome current geopolitical threats whilst increasing the competitiveness and readiness of its EDTIB.

With the 2024 Washington NATO Summit celebrating 75 years of transatlantic partnership, NATO allies need to come together and address the pressing geopolitical challenges of our time. With escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine and the threat of enhanced Russian military capabilities, the summit provides a critical forum for leaders from all 32 NATO allies and their international partners to strengthen their collective defence plans and increase burden sharing. Find out how, together with the private sector, NATO can ensure that the alliance is fit for the future and can maintain its role as a cornerstone of transatlantic security and defence cooperation.