Seated at the children's table: Rheinmetall chief on Europe's role in negotiations

Defence underfunding and loss of influence

Armin Papperger, head of Germany's largest defence company Rheinmetall , has criticised Europe's defence spending policy, stating that the continent is effectively devoid of influence in international negotiations on Ukraine. 

In an interview with the Financial Times, he noted that years of underfunding the military have led to European states no longer being perceived as equal participants in the dialogue.

"If you do not invest in defence, if you are not strong, you are treated like children," Papperger stated. In his view, European governments have erroneously assumed for decades that defence spending at 1% of GDP was sufficient.

Negotiations without Europe

Papperger used a vivid metaphor, comparing Europe's position on the diplomatic stage to children at a table, with the US and Russia acting as the principal negotiators. He attributes this situation not only to Europe's political dependence on Washington but also to a significant weapons deficit caused by years of military budget cuts.

The head of Rheinmetall emphasised that the weakness of the defence sector makes European countries dependent on external partners. In the event of a protracted conflict or a new threat, they would be forced to rely on supplies from the US, thereby reducing their autonomy in security matters.

Growth in defence production is inevitable

Despite discussions of possible peace negotiations with Russia, Papperger doubts their effectiveness. He predicts that even if a ceasefire agreement is reached, European countries will continue to actively build up their military potential.

"Even in the event of peace being concluded, demand for weapons will not decrease, as Europe has realised the need to invest in defence," he noted.

Thus, the head of Rheinmetall made it clear that European countries face the inevitable necessity of increasing military spending. Otherwise, their role in global negotiations will remain secondary, and their dependence on external partners will only intensify.