Rutte’s warning on EU security fuels autonomy debate in Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told EU lawmakers that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, arguing EU defense would require higher spending and even its own nuclear capability, a stance that triggered backlash from France and other proponents of European strategic autonomy. EU officials stressed resilience and a gradual push toward greater independence in security, defense, and critical materials as Europe navigates messy geopolitics and renewed US-EU tensions.