Europe weighs a European defense pillar as NATO debates intensify

EU defense chiefs argue Europe must build its own military power and even a European pillar within NATO amid a more dangerous world and a less reliable US, widening a rift with Mark Rutte over Europe’s security future. They urge faster European coordination, less veto risk, more defense spending, and a stronger European defense industry, while pursuing partnerships with like-minded partners to reduce reliance on the United States.