NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned European leaders that the continent cannot defend itself without the support of the United States, particularly under the protection of the U.S. nuclear umbrella. He emphasized that Europe must strengthen its military capabilities to meet modern security challenges effectively.
Speaking to EU lawmakers in Brussels, Rutte urged Europe to double its current military spending targets to ensure preparedness against external threats. He stressed that collaboration with the United States remains indispensable, noting that the EU alone lacks the full resources needed for independent defense.
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Rutte’s remarks followed his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, which resulted in a framework for a deal regarding U.S. interest in Greenland. Trump had previously threatened 10 percent tariffs on European countries resisting U.S. control of the semi-autonomous Danish region but later backed down after negotiations.
The NATO chief highlighted that all 32 member nations are bound by Article 5, requiring collective defense if any member’s territory comes under attack. He warned that losing U.S. support would mean relinquishing Europe’s primary guarantor of freedom, including nuclear deterrence against hostile powers.
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He added that Europe and the U.S. need each other for both conventional and strategic security, cautioning that assumptions of EU self-sufficiency are unrealistic. Rutte bluntly told lawmakers, “If you think the EU can defend itself without U.S. military power then ‘Keep on dreaming’.”
Overall, Rutte’s message underscored the strategic importance of U.S.-EU cooperation, the role of NATO in maintaining continental security, and the urgent need for Europe to increase defense spending while continuing strong transatlantic partnerships.