NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told European leaders that Europe depends on the United States for its defense. His warning comes as tensions rise over President Trump’s push to acquire Greenland.
Europe’s Defense Depends on the U.S.
Rutte addressed the European Parliament in Brussels Monday, saying, “If anyone thinks Europe can defend itself without the U.S., keep dreaming. You can’t. We need each other.” Without American support, European nations would need to spend around 10% of their GDP on defense and develop a nuclear deterrent of their own.
Rutte added, “In that scenario, you will lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the U.S. nuclear umbrella.”
Trump and Greenland
Tensions escalated after Trump threatened tariffs on NATO countries to pressure a deal for Greenland. He proposed a 10% tariff, rising to 25% in June, until an agreement was reached. After discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump stepped back from those threats and announced that a “framework for a future deal” regarding Greenland and the Arctic region is being negotiated. He also promised not to use military force to take the island.
Greenland, however, has expressed a preference to stay aligned with Denmark rather than the U.S. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said, “If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark, and the EU.”
Arctic Security Concerns
Rutte noted that Trump’s caution in the Arctic is justified. Russia and China have increased their presence in the region, and new sea lanes are opening. “There is an issue of collective security,” Rutte said, “because the Chinese and the Russians are more active.”
Europe’s dependence on the U.S. remains clear, despite discussions of a potential European joint army. NATO allies had pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035, but achieving full independence from American support would require far higher spending.
