European aerospace and defence industry views on transatlantic trade deal

The recent EU–US trade agreement has generated significant media attention, with ASD's position on both civil aviation and defence procurement receiving coverage across major international publications. The association welcomed the positive outcome for civil aviation while reaffirming its established position on European defence industrial priorities.

Aviation International News, in its analysis by managing editor Charles Alcock, featured ASD's perspective on the civil aviation aspects of the trade deal. The publication quoted ASD's statement supporting the "zero-for-zero" agreement for aircraft and aviation parts, adding that it provides "a stable and predictable trade environment [that] is a win-win for the entire globalised aerospace industry".

The article positioned ASD alongside other major industry associations, including the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the National Business Aviation Association, in welcoming the restoration of what effectively mirrors the 1979 Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft. This coverage highlighted ASD's support for maintaining a tariff-free trade environment to preserve the  conditions needed for a vibrant transatlantic aerospace market.

Politico Europe, in reporting by Chris Lunday and Laura Kayali, provided extensive coverage of ASD's position on defence procurement aspects of the trade agreement. The publication quoted ASD spokesperson Adrian Schmitz directly: "Only by investing in its own defence industry can Europe guarantee its security and strengthen its freedom of action over the long term" He added that defence procurement remains a member state prerogative and stressed that procurement decisions should be evaluated based on their long-term consequences to avoid critical dependencies and safeguard Europe’s security. 

The article placed this statement in the broader context of discussions around EU defence spending and the strategic importance of strengthening European capabilities.

The Wall Street Journal, through reporter Alistair MacDonald, covered the immediate market reaction to the trade deal, with European defence stocks declining in response to concerns about increased US defence procurement. The publication featured ASD's defence position: "Only by investing in its own defence industry can Europe guarantee its security and strengthen its freedom of action over the long term".

This coverage captured the market's interpretation of potential competitive pressures on European defence companies, with ASD's statement providing context about the industry's views on Europe’s strategic priorities.

Across all three publications, ASD communicated two distinct messages: support for the civil aviation exemption, and reaffirmation of its established position on European defence investment.