Europe Cannot Defend Itself Without the U.S., NATO Chief Tells European Parliament

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned European lawmakers on Monday that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States. Speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte emphasized that for Europe to operate independently, it would need to more than double its current defense spending.

“Anyone who believes that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the United States is dreaming. You cannot do it. We cannot do it. We need each other,” Rutte said.

Nuclear Capabilities and Defense Spending

Rutte further cautioned that if Europe insists on acting alone, it would need to increase defense spending to 10% of GDP and develop its own nuclear capabilities—a process that would cost billions of euros. “In such a scenario, you would lose the American nuclear umbrella, which remains the greatest guarantee of our freedom. Good luck,” he added.

Context: Greenland and Arctic Security

The NATO chief’s remarks come amid tensions over Greenland, an autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened to take control of Greenland, raising concerns within NATO. Relations were further strained when Trump imposed new tariffs on European countries supportive of Greenland. A framework for a deal was later negotiated with Rutte’s involvement, though details remain scarce.

Praise for Trump’s Arctic Vision

During his speech, Rutte also praised Trump’s vision for Arctic security, acknowledging the strategic challenges posed by the opening of new maritime routes and increasing Chinese and Russian activity. “I know I may be criticized for praising him, but I think he is right. The Arctic region presents a collective security problem,” Rutte stated.

Trump’s Pressure on NATO Allies

President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for low defense spending. At the July 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, European allies and Canada agreed to match U.S. levels of defense spending relative to GDP, aiming to spend 5% of GDP by 2035. Spain, however, remained an exception.

Rutte concluded, “If you truly want to go it alone, forget achieving it with 5% of GDP. You would need 10%, along with your own nuclear capability, costing billions or even trillions of euros.”