Brussels: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has rejected recent proposals for a separate European army, asserting that Europe cannot ensure its own defence without continued cooperation with the United States and within the framework of the transat
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Brussels: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has rejected recent proposals for a separate European army, asserting that Europe cannot ensure its own defence without continued cooperation with the United States and within the framework of the transatlantic alliance.
Speaking to lawmakers at the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte dismissed suggestions from some European politicians advocating a defence force independent of the U.S.-led NATO structure, telling critics to “keep on dreaming.” He emphasised that mutual reliance between the United States and European members remains essential for credible deterrence and collective security.
Rutte pointed to the complexity and cost of building a fully autonomous defence capability, explaining that achieving self-sufficiency would require significant increases in military spending well above current targets and potentially the development of independent nuclear capabilities. He argued such efforts could weaken rather than strengthen Europe’s security posture.
The remarks come amid renewed debate among European leaders over “strategic autonomy,” a concept that has gained traction in recent weeks. However, Rutte stressed that bolstering defence capacities should occur within NATO’s existing structure, not by fragmenting transatlantic cooperation.
He also warned that a move toward a separate European army could play into the hands of adversaries such as Russia, by diluting unified military readiness and coordination across the alliance.
Rutte’s stance underscores NATO’s ongoing role as the cornerstone of collective defence for Europe and North America, even as discussions continue on how best to adapt to evolving
