NATO: Europe cannot defend itself without America – details of the plan
In decisive remarks that reshape the defense doctrine of the Old Continent, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte affirmed that Europe cannot defend itself independently of the United States. These strong statements, delivered before members of the European Parliament, effectively put an end to the growing calls within the continent for strategic military independence, particularly in light of recent tensions surrounding Greenland and ongoing defense negotiations.
The illusion of European military independence
Rutte delivered a direct and unequivocal message to European leaders, emphasizing that the idea of building a purely European defense system independent of Washington is nothing more than wishful thinking. "If anyone here still believes that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the United States – let them keep dreaming. You can't," Rutte said. These remarks come at a sensitive time when transatlantic relations are being reassessed, with some European powers pushing for "strategic autonomy," which NATO considers unrealistic given the current balance of power.
The "hot zone" plan and the border with Russia
On the ground, the alliance unveiled advanced plans to bolster its eastern flank. NATO plans to establish a forward defense zone, heavily reliant on technology and automation, along the European border with Russia within the next two years. In this context, German General Thomas Lewin, Deputy Chief of Operations at NATO's Allied Land Command in Izmir, explained that the alliance is building a "defense belt" based on equipment that operates almost without direct human intervention.
General Lewin described this area as "a sort of hot zone" that any hostile force would have to cross before it could advance, reflecting a shift in the alliance's strategy towards relying on technology to reduce human risks and increase deterrence effectiveness.
Historical context: The American protective umbrella
To understand the depth of Rutte's remarks, one must consider the historical background of NATO, founded in 1949. Since the end of World War II, the United States has formed the backbone of European security, providing the nuclear umbrella and massive logistical capabilities that most European countries lack. For decades, Europe has relied on the American military presence to guarantee its stability and economic prosperity, making defense disengagement extremely complex and requiring enormous investments and years of military buildup that have yet to materialize.
Strategic importance and expected impact
These assertions carry extremely important strategic implications on several levels:
- Locally and in Europe: It puts an end to political debates about defense secession, and pushes European countries towards greater integration with American plans instead of seeking costly and uncertain independent alternatives.
- Regionally (towards Russia): It sends a strong deterrent message to Moscow that the alliance is cohesive, and that any Russian bet on the disintegration of the relationship between the two sides of the Atlantic is a losing bet, especially with the announcement of the new technological fortification plans.
- Internationally: It confirms the continued American dominance over the global security equation, and makes it clear to China and rising powers that the West remains a single military bloc led by Washington.
