PARIS, 18 Sep. By severing the contract with France on submarines, Australia questioned the confidence of not only Paris, but the whole of Europe, said French Foreign Minister Clement Bon. The day before, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that the ambassadors to the United States and Australia had been recalled for consultations. After that, the United States noted that the administration maintains close contact with the French authorities and intends to devote the coming days to resolving differences.
“I don’t know how we can now trust our Australian partners. And this was not a step against France, it was undermining Europe’s confidence,” Bon said on France 24.
After the incident with Canberra, Europe should strengthen its strategic autonomy and defense, he said. “The Australian government cannot hide behind the backs of Washington or London. They made a decision as a sovereign state, and America began to defend its interests <...>. Yes, I understand , which is in an unpleasant manner, non-partner, but there is no need to wait for Washington to come to its senses, «the secretary of state believes. According to him, now European countries need to take action.
Stab in the Back: Former Great Power Both US and Russia Hurt British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, US President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison this week announced a new AUKUS defense and security partnership. Canberra also announced its withdrawal from the submarine contract with the French company Naval Group. The A $ 90 billion (€ 56 billion) deal, dubbed the «Contract of the Century», called for the production of 12 Barracuda-class attack submarines. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called Australia's decision «a stab in the back», noting that he was «angry.» Paris is awaiting clarification from both Australia and the United States.
Europe is going to fight again