News · 31 January 2026
NATO chief warns Europe cannot defend itself without US help
The White House via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told European lawmakers to "keep on dreaming" if they believe the continent can defend itself without the United States. Amid tensions with President Donald Trump over Greenland, Rutte argued that replacing the American nuclear umbrella would require nations to double defense spending from 5 percent to 10 percent of GDP. While French officials insisted Europe must take charge of its security, Rutte maintained that the US alliance remains essential.
Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs