Washington. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, addressing the European Parliament in Brussels, warned that Europe cannot defend itself without the US. According to media reports, Rutte said that if he really wants to go it alone, he will have to increase his defense spending by 10%, build his own nuclear capability, which will cost billions of euros. Currently, the total contribution of European countries to NATO’s expenditure is only 30 percent, which is on average 2 percent of the countries’ GDP.
According to the report, Rutte supported Trump’s strategy of strong defense of the Arctic region and Greenland. Rutte said he persuaded Trump to back off from his escalating threats and tried to move toward an agreement on Greenland. Trump had discussed Greenland with Rutte in Davos on January 21. The leaders of Denmark and Greenland were angry that Trump and Rutte were talking about Greenland’s future behind their backs. Several members of the European Parliament asked Rutte what he discussed with Trump and what impact it would have on Denmark and Greenland.
Let us tell you that Trump had claimed last week that the framework for an agreement with NATO regarding the future of Greenland has been prepared, which brought relief to Europe, although many people are worried that Trump may change his mind. Rutte said that even after 70 years, Europe is dependent on American military power. Europe will have to spend a lot to strengthen its defense, even building its own nuclear weapons. He said that 5 percent GDP defense expenditure is not enough by 2035, it will have to be taken to 10 percent. In that case you will lose the last guarantor of our freedom, the American nuclear security shield. If Europe can walk alone, I wish you all the best. Rutte reiterated Trump’s point that China and Russia are posing a threat to Arctic security. He said that Trump is doing a good job, I know many people are irritated by this.
