What is the sovereignty paradox in Europe's defence industry?

Europe has a sovereignty paradox in its defence industry, which means it wants to be strong and independent but ends up depending on others.

Imagine you're building a super cool toy castle, and you want to make sure no one can take it over. So, you start making your own bricks and tools. But then you realize that some of the best bricks come from a nearby town, they’re stronger, faster to build with, and more fun! Even though you want to be independent (or sovereign) in building your castle, you end up using bricks made by others.

In Europe, countries like France, Germany, and Italy are trying to build their own military equipment, so they can protect themselves without relying on other countries, like the US or China. But many of them still use parts from other European countries because it’s faster and easier. It's like building your castle with bricks from another town, you're strong, but not fully independent.

This is the sovereignty paradox: wanting to be self-sufficient but ending up depending on others for the best tools.