The NATO chief’s remarks in Brussels drew a frosty response from European leaders, with France rejecting his claims that the continent is too weak to stand on its own. Europe is “dreaming” if it thinks it can defend itself without the United States, NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte said on Monday, bluntly dismissing the EU’s long-standing ambitions for ‘strategic autonomy’ during an address to the European Parliament.
Rutte credited Trump with getting European nations to boost their defence spending to the NATO target of 2% of GDP last year, warning that any serious attempt to “go it alone” would require “billions and billions of euros” more. Rutte described the U.S. nuclear umbrella as “the ultimate guarantor of our freedom,” and wished those planning on breaking away, “Good luck.” Most European leaders have said nothing in response to this scolding. Those who have spoken publicly have chosen to ignore Rutte’s warning, in some cases striking a patronising tone.
