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6d ago

NATO Chief Rutte: Europe Can’t Defend Itself Without the U.S.

He says true autonomy would require nuclear forces with defense budgets near 10% of GDP.

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The world is “witnessing the self-immolation of a superpower” via Trump’s trade wars and territorial aggressiveness
DEBA, POLAND – NOVEMBER 18: A U.S, Army soldier seen during a live-fire demonstration of the U.S. counter-drone system known as 'MEROPS,' at the Deba training grounds in Subcarpathian Voivodeship, Poland, on November 18, 2025. The drill is part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry initiative to enhance vigilance and strengthen defenses against drone threats along the alliance’s eastern border. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Overview

  • Addressing the European Parliament, Mark Rutte rejected a standalone European army as duplicative, saying Russia would welcome the move.
  • Rutte said Washington’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense remains total but pressed European allies to raise military outlays.
  • He urged EU lawmakers to keep Ukraine’s planned €90 billion loan flexible so Kyiv can buy needed weapons from non‑EU suppliers when required.
  • On Greenland, Rutte said NATO will assume more Arctic defense responsibility and reiterated he has no mandate to negotiate for Denmark as details of a Davos ‘framework’ remain unclear.
  • France publicly pushed back, with Foreign Minister Jean‑Noël Barrot saying Europeans can and must take charge of their own security, renewing the strategic‑autonomy debate.