Overview
- NATO chief Mark Rutte told the European Parliament that Europe would be “dreaming” to think it can defend itself without the United States, arguing true independence would require defense outlays near 10% of GDP and a separate nuclear deterrent.
- EU figures including Kaja Kallas, José Manuel Albares and France’s Jean‑Noël Barrot pressed for greater European responsibility, from a “more European” NATO and streamlined EU decision‑making to proposals for a European army.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Europe should cooperate with the United States but not as a subordinate, urging greater defense and technological sovereignty while reaffirming the value of a stronger NATO.
- Citing rising Arctic competition and recent tensions over Greenland, Rutte urged a larger NATO role in Arctic defense and continued U.S.-Denmark-Greenland talks, after a basic framework preceded the U.S. withdrawal of threatened tariffs.
- Rutte also pressed EU leaders to let Kyiv use an upcoming €90 billion loan to buy U.S. weapons, saying Europe’s defense industry cannot yet meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.