NATO Chief Warns Europe: ‘Keep On Dreaming’ If You Think You Can Defend Without the United States
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte delivered a stark message to European lawmakers this week, saying any belief that Europe can independently defend itself without support from the United States is unrealistic and “keep on dreaming.” Rutte’s comments came during a session of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs and security committees in Brussels amid ongoing debates about transatlantic defence cooperation and Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Rutte insisted that Europe and the U.S. “need each other” to face current security threats and that the idea of going it alone would require an extremely expensive defence buildup, including the development of its own nuclear deterrent. He estimated that defence spending would need to rise to about 10 per cent of GDP — roughly double current NATO targets — to make true autonomy feasible. Without sustained U.S. involvement and the protection of its nuclear umbrella, Rutte said Europe would lose “the ultimate guarantor” of its freedom.
The remarks come against a backdrop of tension within the alliance over recent actions and rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, including threats over Greenland — a territory of NATO ally Denmark — and trade disagreements that have strained transatlantic relations. Rutte helped secure a preliminary deal that defused Trump’s threats, but the episode has intensified discussions about whether the U.S. can be relied upon as a consistent security partner.
Some European leaders have pushed back against Rutte’s dismissal of greater defence autonomy, arguing that Europe must prepare for potential scenarios in which U.S. support may be less forthcoming or more conditional. France, for example, has called for building a stronger European defence pillar within NATO, potentially involving expanded European nuclear capabilities. Analysts note such shifts reflect growing unease about the future of NATO and whether the alliance can adapt to changing geopolitical realities.
The remarks come against a backdrop of tension within the alliance over recent actions and rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump, including threats over Greenland — a territory of NATO ally Denmark — and trade disagreements that have strained transatlantic relations. Rutte helped secure a preliminary deal that defused Trump’s threats, but the episode has intensified discussions about whether the U.S. can be relied upon as a consistent security partner.
Some European leaders have pushed back against Rutte’s dismissal of greater defence autonomy, arguing that Europe must prepare for potential scenarios in which U.S. support may be less forthcoming or more conditional. France, for example, has called for building a stronger European defence pillar within NATO, potentially involving expanded European nuclear capabilities. Analysts note such shifts reflect growing unease about the future of NATO and whether the alliance can adapt to changing geopolitical realities.
About the Author
