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Rutte Slams ‘European NATO’ as Unrealistic Dream

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The idea of creating a standalone European defence alliance was thoroughly debunked by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who dismissed it as an unrealistic and costly venture requiring up to 10% of GDP and 20 years to materialize. Speaking before the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs and Security, Rutte stressed that Europe could not feasibly replicate NATO’s capabilities without a massive financial and temporal investment.

Rutte pointed out the financial disparities within the current alliance, noting that the United States covers more than 60% of NATO’s total defence budget while the remaining 31 member states collectively contribute less than 40%. Attempting to match this expenditure on a European scale, he explained, would necessitate exponential increases in defence spending alongside the development of independent nuclear capabilities.

Instead of pursuing this costly path, Rutte advocated for strengthening coordination between NATO and the EU. He announced the creation of a high-level coordination group and pledged close collaboration with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, joking that the two would resolve disagreements even if it meant sacrificing their weekends and meals.

Rutte emphasized the need for streamlined and efficient cooperation, urging a “light touch” approach to coordination that avoids unnecessary bureaucracy and committee meetings. “Let’s make it as simple as possible,” he urged, highlighting the importance of effective communication over formal protocols.

His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing support for Ukraine, where he reiterated that a lasting peace can only be achieved if Ukraine negotiates from a position of strength. This, he argued, requires sustained international support, including the provision of advanced weaponry to strengthen Ukraine’s defences.

Rutte’s comments came as European Council President Antonio Costa invited EU leaders to an informal summit near Brussels on February 3 to discuss strengthening European defence. The summit aims to prepare the groundwork for future decisions and contribute to the development of a white paper on the future of European defence. Costa noted his intention to revisit the issue during the European Council meeting in June 2025.

A related report from the Polish Ministry of Defence underscored the challenges of boosting military spending, revealing that NATO countries may only reach 5% of GDP on defence spending within the next decade.

The debate over Europe’s military capabilities reflects broader concerns about balancing national security priorities with economic realities. While Rutte’s comments injected a dose of pragmatism into the discussion, they also reinforced NATO’s indispensable role as Europe’s primary security umbrella.

Table: NATO Defence Spending Disparities

Country/Group Percentage of Total NATO Spending
United States Over 60%
Remaining 31 Members Less than 40%

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