NATO Chief Says Europe Cannot Defend Without US Support
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, warning against assumptions that the continent can ensure its own security independently. Addressing European lawmakers, Rutte said those who believe Europe can manage its defence alone should “keep dreaming”, underlining the continued importance of the transatlantic alliance.
Defence Spending and Capabilities
Rutte said Europe lacks critical military capabilities that are currently provided by the US, including strategic lift, intelligence assets, missile defence, and nuclear deterrence. He noted that achieving full defence autonomy would require massive increases in military spending and decades of investment, making such a shift unrealistic in the near term.
NATO’s Role
The NATO chief urged European members to raise defence spending and strengthen their armed forces, but stressed this should be done within the NATO framework rather than as a replacement for US support. He reaffirmed that collective defence under NATO remains the cornerstone of European security, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Rutte’s remarks come as European leaders debate greater strategic autonomy while facing pressure to meet NATO defence spending targets.
