On December 26, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte made headlines across Europe by reaffirming his belief that the European Union should not seek complete autonomy from the United States in defense matters. Instead, he argued, Europe’s growing security responsibilities must be carried out in close partnership with its American allies. This message comes at a critical moment, as tensions with Russia show no signs of abating and debates over European defense strategy intensify both within the European Union and across the NATO alliance.
According to n-tv and the German Press Agency (dpa), Rutte’s remarks were delivered in a series of interviews and public statements that directly addressed the future of European security. “It is only logical that we gradually take on more responsibility for the defense of Europe—but together with the US, which fully supports NATO, remains in the alliance, and remains in Europe,” Rutte said, emphasizing the enduring commitment of the United States to the transatlantic partnership. He added, “I’m absolutely convinced that the US is completely invested [in] NATO. There’s no doubt. There was one big expectation. Indeed, us spending more, Europe taking more responsibility.”
Rutte’s comments come against the backdrop of ongoing calls from some European leaders for greater strategic autonomy. German MEP Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP)—the largest group in the European Parliament—has been a particularly vocal advocate for transforming the EU into a “European NATO.” Weber argues that recent U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, including a more pronounced "America First" posture, have made it clear that Europe cannot always rely on the U.S. without reservation. However, while Rutte praised Weber’s commitment to European security, he made clear that he does not share the view that full independence from the U.S. is either necessary or desirable. “Let’s not forget that when it comes to Europe (and) NATO, there is more than the EU,” Rutte noted, pointing out that the 23 EU countries within NATO account for only about a quarter of the alliance’s total economic output. “Seventy-five percent is still outside the EU,” he said, referencing NATO members such as the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada, and the United States itself.
Rutte’s insistence on unity with the U.S. is not just a matter of principle—it’s also a reflection of the stark realities facing the alliance. At the June 2025 NATO summit in The Hague, all member states agreed to a significant increase in defense spending, pledging to raise expenditures to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. Rutte described this as “one of the biggest foreign policy victories of President Trump, the 5 percent, the clear commitment to produce more.” The move was widely seen as a response to both American pressure and the growing threat posed by Russia, which, according to Rutte, now allocates over 40% of its state budget to defense.
Security concerns are not merely theoretical. In an interview reported by Online.ua, Rutte issued a stark warning: if Ukraine fails to withstand Russian pressure and collapses, Russian President Vladimir Putin could consider invading a NATO member country, potentially triggering World War III. “As of today, only Ukraine can prevent Russia from invading the territory of the Alliance. As long as it stands firm, such a scenario is virtually impossible,” Rutte said. He urged NATO members to do everything possible to help Ukraine win the war, warning that the security situation could deteriorate as early as 2027, based on current intelligence assessments. “If we do these two things, we will be strong enough to defend ourselves, and Putin will never try to attack,” he stressed.
The urgency of these warnings has not been lost on European leaders. On December 25, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Rutte to coordinate efforts within the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a partnership aimed at bolstering Ukraine’s security and resilience. Macron announced on X (formerly Twitter) that starting in January 2026, partners would continue working in Paris to provide Ukraine with “reliable security guarantees,” which he described as a “necessary condition for achieving a lasting and durable peace.” Macron added, “As Russia continues its aggression, Ukraine keeps fighting and continues to demonstrate resilience. It can rely on our steadfast support, now and in the future.”
This sentiment is echoed by other leaders in the Euro-Atlantic community. The heads of government from the UK, France, Germany, and the U.S. have all agreed that the current moment is critical for Ukraine and for the security of the entire region. According to Reuters, Macron emphasized that these solid security guarantees are a prerequisite for a robust and lasting peace, highlighting the determination of Western allies to stand together in the face of Russian aggression.
Rutte’s advocacy for joint transatlantic defense efforts comes at a time when the structure of NATO itself is under scrutiny. As reported by Keystone-SDA, he was quick to remind observers that NATO is not simply an outgrowth of the EU, but a broader alliance that includes key non-EU partners. “When it comes to Europe and NATO, there is more to it than the EU,” he said, underlining the importance of countries like the UK, Norway, and Canada. He further argued that the EU’s share of NATO’s total GDP—around 25%—underscores the necessity of continued cooperation with the U.S. and other allies outside the bloc.
Despite calls from some quarters for the creation of a European army or a more autonomous European defense structure, Rutte remains steadfast in his belief that transatlantic unity is the best guarantee of security. He acknowledged the value of the EU’s contributions but insisted that “cooperation alongside the US is essential.” Rutte’s approach reflects a pragmatic assessment of both the alliance’s capabilities and the geopolitical landscape, which has been dramatically reshaped by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the evolving strategic posture of the United States.
Looking ahead, the challenge for NATO and its European members will be to balance growing responsibilities with the need for unity. As the alliance races to rearm and prepare for an uncertain future, the debate over autonomy versus alliance will likely continue. But for now, the message from NATO’s top official is clear: Europe’s security is strongest when it stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States and the broader transatlantic community. The stakes, as Rutte and Macron have both warned, could hardly be higher.
