**Article:**
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that Europe cannot effectively defend itself without the support of the United States. He cautioned against the European Union’s ambitions to develop an independent defense capability within NATO, often referred to as a “European pillar.” Instead, Stoltenberg urged EU countries to strengthen their partnership with the U.S., despite political differences such as those seen during the Trump administration.
Stoltenberg highlighted that NATO remains the most reliable framework for collective defense in Europe. He stressed the importance of maintaining close transatlantic ties to address current and future security challenges. According to him, cooperation between Europe and the U.S. is essential for the alliance’s effectiveness and stability.
**Why this matters:**
Europe’s security depends heavily on the transatlantic alliance with the United States. As geopolitical tensions rise, the ability of NATO to present a united front is crucial for deterrence and defense. The debate over European strategic autonomy continues, but NATO’s leadership underscores that collaboration with the U.S. remains central to European defense strategy.
Source: NewsData