**Article:**
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg recently stated at the European Parliament that Europe cannot effectively defend itself without the support of the United States. His remarks sparked a strong reaction from France, which has long advocated for greater European strategic autonomy in defense matters.
French officials emphasized the importance of Europe developing its own defense capabilities and expressed disagreement with Stoltenberg’s assertion. France argues that while cooperation with the U.S. remains vital, Europe must invest more in its military independence to address regional security challenges.
The exchange highlights ongoing debates within NATO and the European Union about the balance between transatlantic cooperation and European self-reliance in defense.
**Why this matters:**
The discussion reflects broader tensions over Europe’s role in global security and its reliance on the U.S. military. As geopolitical threats evolve, how Europe manages its defense strategy will impact NATO’s cohesion and the continent’s ability to respond to crises independently. This debate also influences defense spending priorities and the future of European defense integration.
Source: NewsData