NATO Chief Rutte Warns: Europe Cannot Defend Itself Without US Support

Mark Rutte's Stark Warning at the European Parliament

On January 26, 2026, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered a candid address to the Security and Defence Committee at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium. Addressing European lawmakers directly, Rutte pulled no punches in emphasizing the continent's reliance on the United States for security. 68 70 His message came amid heightened transatlantic tensions, particularly surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's ambitions regarding Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory rich in strategic minerals and Arctic position. Rutte's intervention sought to refocus attention on practical defense realities rather than aspirational autonomy.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), established in 1949 as a collective defense pact, binds its 32 member states—including 23 European nations—under Article 5, which states that an armed attack against one is considered an attack against all. Rutte, who assumed the role of Secretary General in October 2024 after serving as Dutch Prime Minister for 14 years, has consistently advocated for stronger allied commitments. 69

‘Keep on Dreaming’: Rutte's Core Message

In one of the speech's most memorable lines, Rutte declared, "If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. You can’t. We can’t. We need each other." 70 This blunt assessment challenged growing calls within the EU for "strategic autonomy," a concept popularized by French President Emmanuel Macron, which envisions Europe developing independent military capabilities decoupled from Washington.

Rutte elaborated that pursuing self-reliance would demand unprecedented sacrifices. European nations, he argued, would need to elevate defense spending to 10 percent of gross domestic product (GDP)—double the recently pledged 5 percent target—while investing "billions and billions of euros" in a homegrown nuclear arsenal. Currently, the U.S. provides the alliance's nuclear umbrella, deterring aggression through its approximately 3,700 nuclear warheads deployed across air, sea, and land platforms shared with allies like the UK and France. 68 69

"You would lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the U.S. nuclear umbrella. So hey, good luck," Rutte added sarcastically, underscoring the impracticality. 69

Trump's Greenland Push and Transatlantic Friction

Rutte's remarks were inextricably linked to recent U.S.-Europe frictions over Greenland. President Trump, during the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier in January 2026, reiterated his interest in acquiring the island, citing its strategic Arctic location amid opening sea lanes exploited by Russia and China. Initial threats of tariffs on European opponents were withdrawn after Rutte facilitated a "framework" deal, under which NATO pledges greater Arctic responsibility. 70 NATO's Arctic policy page details this evolving focus.

Denmark and Greenland maintain sovereignty, but trilateral talks involving U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have progressed constructively, though disagreements persist. Rutte positioned NATO as a mediator, advocating two parallel tracks: enhanced alliance-wide Arctic defense and bilateral negotiations.

Defense Spending Progress: From Laggards to 2 Percent Club

Under Rutte's leadership, NATO has seen marked improvements in burden-sharing. In 2024, all 32 allies met or exceeded the 2 percent GDP threshold for the first time, up from just three in 2014. European NATO members collectively spent $454 billion that year, a sharp rise, though still dwarfed by the U.S.'s $997 billion—over 62 percent of total alliance expenditure. 48 49

• Poland: 4.1 percent GDP (leader among Europeans)
• Germany: Recently hit 2 percent after years of underinvestment
• Spain, Italy, Belgium: Accelerated from 1.5 percent post-Trump pressure

Rutte credited Trump explicitly: "Do you really think that Spain and Italy and Belgium and Canada would have decided to move from 1.5 to 2 percent without Trump? No way." 68 The July 2025 Hague Summit locked in a 5 percent goal by 2035 (3.5 percent core defense + 1.5 percent infrastructure).

The 10 Percent Hurdle: Economic and Political Realities

Achieving 10 percent GDP solely for defense would strain European economies profoundly. For context, the EU's average defense spend hovers around 1.7 percent, with total military budgets equating to less than half the U.S. figure despite comparable GDPs. Step-by-step, this escalation would involve:

1. Reallocating budgets from welfare, infrastructure, and green transitions.
2. Rampant industrial scaling for munitions, ships, and aircraft.
3. Public buy-in amid cost-of-living pressures and Ukraine fatigue.

SIPRI data shows global military expenditure hit records in 2024, yet Europe's share lags, highlighting the chasm. 49 Rutte warned this path invites duplication, as a "European pillar" in NATO risks parallel structures Putin would exploit.

NATO's Nuclear Backbone: Europe's Borrowed Deterrent

The U.S. extended nuclear deterrent, including B61 gravity bombs hosted in five European states (Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey), forms NATO's core against Russian threats. France (290 warheads) and UK (225) contribute independently, but lack the U.S.'s triad (bombers, subs, ICBMs). Building parity would require decades and trillions, per expert estimates.

Rutte stressed: Losing this "umbrella" exposes vulnerabilities, especially as Russia's arsenal modernizes amid Ukraine stalemate.

Capability Gaps: Beyond Dollars to Delivery

Spending alone doesn't equate to readiness. Europe faces chronic shortfalls:

• Strategic Airlift: U.S. provides 75 percent of NATO's heavy lift via C-17s and C-5s; Europe relies on leased Antonovs.
• Munitions: Ukraine aid depleted stocks; EU produces 1/3 of needed shells monthly.
• ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance): U.S. satellites and drones dominate.
• High-End Assets: Only U.S., UK, France field next-gen fighters at scale.

These gaps, amplified by Arctic challenges, necessitate U.S. integration. 52

Reactions Across the Spectrum

Rutte's praise for Trump drew mixed responses. EU lawmakers expressed unease over perceived deference, while hawks lauded realism. Trump allies highlighted Rutte's Davos nod: "Europe should be happy Trump’s in charge." Russian media gloated, portraying NATO discord. For balance, view AcademicJobs Europe's policy updates.

Implications for Ukraine and the Eastern Flank

With Ukraine facing its "harshest winter," Rutte urged flexible EU funding (€90 billion loans) for U.S. weapons, prioritizing efficacy over "buy European." Poland and Baltics, spending over 3 percent, bolster flanks but can't compensate fully without U.S. enablers.

The Arctic Dimension: A New Cold Front

Climate melt opens routes; Russia militarizes, China invests. NATO's enhanced role, per the framework, counters this without fracturing alliances. Denmark navigates delicately, balancing autonomy and security.

Photo by Vatroslav Bank on Unsplash

Path Forward: Unity, Investment, and Realism

Rutte called for transatlantic synergy: Europe ramps spending within NATO, U.S. recommits. Actionable steps include joint procurement, industrial surge, and political will. As threats evolve, interdependence remains key. Explore defense careers via higher-ed-jobs or career advice for policy roles. In conclusion, Rutte's warning isn't alarmism—it's a blueprint for survival.