NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte underscored the significant dependence of Europe on the United States for its defense, dismissing notions that the continent could successfully manage its own security amidst rising tensions regarding territories such as Greenland.
Rutte’s comments came after a diplomatic incident involving US President Donald Trump, who had provocatively suggested the possibility of the US “buying” the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland. Although Trump later retracted that assertion following discussions with Rutte, the tension ignited debates within Europe about its military reliance on Washington.
In a speech to lawmakers at the European Parliament, Rutte firmly stated, “If anyone thinks here again, that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US — keep on dreaming. You can’t.” He stressed the necessity for European Union member states to substantially increase their defense budgets, proposing that spending should rise from the previous NATO target of five percent to ten percent. This adjustment would require “billions and billions” in investment to develop strategic military capabilities, including nuclear arms.
Rutte emphasized that European nations must recognize the vital role of the US nuclear umbrella, warning that a move towards greater military independence could jeopardize the security guarantees provided by the US. “You would lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom,” he added.
In a rebuttal to Rutte, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot asserted that Europeans need to take charge of their security matters, advocating for a more autonomous European defense strategy. Rutte, however, reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the US to NATO’s Article Five mutual defense clause but noted that the United States expects European allies to increase their defense expenditures.
He acknowledged that American security interests are intertwined with a stable Europe, stating, “They need a secure Euro-Atlantic, and they also need a secure Europe.” Rutte also expressed admiration for Trump’s efforts to encourage European nations to boost their military investments, viewing it as a necessary prompt for allies.
The discussion also touched upon the idea of a European defense force, proposed by EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. Rutte cautioned against such a move, suggesting that it could complicate NATO’s existing framework and potentially provide an advantage to adversaries like Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On the matter of Arctic security, Rutte revealed that he had reached an understanding with Trump for NATO to take on increased responsibility in the region. However, he clarified that negotiations regarding US presence in Greenland are ultimately the responsibility of Greenlandic and Danish authorities, stating, “I have no mandate to negotiate on behalf of Denmark, so I didn’t, and I will not.”
In reflecting on the sacrifices made by NATO allies, Rutte highlighted the substantial contributions of European troops in Afghanistan, emphasizing that for every two American soldiers who lost their lives, one soldier from a NATO ally had also made the ultimate sacrifice. He concluded by acknowledging that the US values the efforts and sacrifices made by its allies.
