NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, stated that Europe cannot defend itself without the help of the United States, emphasizing the costs of an independent alliance.

In Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Europe cannot ensure its security alone without the support of the United States. Rutte emphasized that if Europeans wanted to build an independent defensive alliance, it would require a cost of 10% of GDP and would involve developing their own nuclear capability, thus losing the protection offered by the American nuclear umbrella. In response, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Europeans must take responsibility for their security, asserting that the U.S. also agrees with this principle. The 32 NATO countries have committed to allocate at least 5% of GDP for security by 2035, and efforts to strengthen the European pillar within NATO have increased, especially in the context of dependence on American weaponry. Rutte reminded of the contributions of allies in conflicts such as Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of transatlantic collaboration.