NATO chief dismisses idea of European military independence
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has bluntly warned European leaders that the continent cannot defend itself without the United States, dismissing suggestions of strategic autonomy as unrealistic. Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte said Europe should “keep on dreaming” if it believes it can guarantee its own security without American support.
“If anyone thinks that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. You can’t. We can’t. We need each other,” Rutte told lawmakers, underscoring NATO’s continued reliance on Washington as its central pillar.
Defense spending and nuclear deterrence
Rutte warned that if European nations truly wanted to go it alone, defense spending would need to rise dramatically. He suggested budgets could climb as high as 10% of GDP, alongside massive investments in military capabilities that Europe currently lacks.
He added that full independence would also require Europe to develop its own nuclear deterrent, a move that would cost billions and risk destabilizing the current security balance. Without U.S. backing, he said, Europe would lose the “ultimate guarantor” of its freedom: the American nuclear umbrella.
Context of Greenland tensions
The comments followed a turbulent week for Europe and its allies after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. ownership of Greenland. While Trump later ruled out using force during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the episode once again exposed strains in transatlantic relations.
Despite expected criticism, Rutte defended Trump’s focus on Arctic security. He argued that the region presents growing strategic challenges as sea lanes open and Russian and Chinese activity increases.
NATO’s role in the Arctic
Rutte outlined two main paths forward on the Greenland issue. First, NATO would take greater collective responsibility for Arctic defense, aimed at limiting Russian and Chinese influence both militarily and economically.
The second path involves continued trilateral discussions between the United States, Denmark and Greenland. Rutte stressed that he would not participate directly in these talks, saying he has no mandate to negotiate on Denmark’s behalf.
Diplomatic uncertainty continues
Recent meetings between Danish, Greenlandic and U.S. officials have been described as constructive, though deep disagreements remain. Trump has claimed to have reached a framework for a Greenland deal with Rutte, a claim that has raised questions in European capitals about the NATO chief’s role.
While details of any framework remain unclear, Trump’s abrupt shift away from threatening tariffs on Europe has again highlighted the unpredictable dynamics shaping NATO and transatlantic security.
