"Europe Cannot Defend Itself Without The US"

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Europe is incapable of defending itself without the United States, dismissing proposals to create a standalone European defense pillar. Speaking to members of the European Parliament, Rutte said the idea that Europe could go it alone militarily was unrealistic.

“If anyone thinks that Europe can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming,” he told lawmakers, adding bluntly: “You can’t.”

Warning Against a European Army

Rutte argued that building a European army would lead to unnecessary duplication of NATO’s structures and undermine the alliance’s effectiveness. He warned such a move would only serve Moscow’s interests.

“A European pillar is a bit of an empty word,” Rutte said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will love it” if Europe weakens NATO’s central role.

Trump’s Role in NATO Defense Spending

Rutte credited US President Donald Trump with forcing NATO allies to increase defense spending to at least 2 percent of GDP. He said several countries would not have met the target without US pressure.

“Do you really think Spain, Italy, Belgium or Canada would have moved from 1.5 to 2 percent without Trump? No way,” he said, adding that Washington remains fully committed to NATO’s collective defense.

Cost of Going Alone

According to Rutte, defending Europe without the United States would require enormous financial sacrifices. He warned that even a pledge to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense would not be enough without American backing.

“If Europe really wants to go it alone, forget 5 percent. It will be 10 percent,” he said, stressing that replacing the US nuclear deterrent alone would cost “billions and billions of euros.”

Ukraine Aid and US Arms

Rutte also urged the EU to allow Ukraine to use part of its planned €90 billion loan package to purchase weapons from the United States. He warned that restricting spending to European suppliers could weaken Kyiv’s defense.

“Europe is building its defense industry, but it cannot yet provide nearly enough of what Ukraine needs today,” he said, calling on lawmakers to prioritize Ukraine’s immediate security needs over “buy EU” restrictions.

Greenland and Transatlantic Tensions

Rutte’s remarks come after weeks of tension sparked by Trump’s threats to seize Greenland, which raised concerns about the future of NATO unity. Although Trump later ruled out using force, the episode rattled European capitals.

Rutte said he had no mandate to negotiate on Greenland and rejected claims that talks over the Arctic were linked to US security guarantees for Ukraine. However, he defended Trump’s focus on Arctic security, saying the issue deserves serious attention.