Berlin, 2 March 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Manfred Weber, the leader of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP) in Brussels, has called for quick decisions on an independent European defence policy following the rift between the US and Ukraine.

"If you look at Washington, you have to understand: Europe is alone and we must now arm ourselves independently," the German politician told the Funke media outlet in comments published on Sunday.

Weber - whose EPP is the largest group in the European Parliament - said it was time to "take the first steps towards a European army."

"Far too much time has been wasted," he added.

European countries should increasingly procure defence equipment produced in Europe, Weber argued. "If the US is no longer a reliable friend and partner, then the question arises as to why we buy most of our weapons from the US."

"We need to strengthen our own defence industry," said Weber.

The EPP leader said that tough decisions must be made at a special EU summit on support for Ukraine and European defence set to take place in Brussels on Thursday.

The comments came just two days after US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky fell out spectacularly in a televised meeting at the Oval Office.

Photo: MIA archive