NATO Chief Warns Europe: “Keep Dreaming” About Defense Without US Amid Greenland Tensions

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a stark warning to European leaders Monday, emphasizing their critical dependence on the United States for defense capabilities amid growing tensions over President Donald Trump’s continued interest in acquiring Greenland.

“If anyone thinks here again that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. You can’t. We can’t. We need each other,” Rutte declared during an address to the European Parliament in Brussels.

The NATO chief painted a sobering picture of what European defense would require without American support. He explained that European nations would need to dramatically increase defense spending to approximately 10% of GDP—double the current NATO alliance pledge of 5% by 2035—and develop their own nuclear capabilities.

“In that scenario, you will lose the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the U.S. nuclear umbrella. So hey, good luck,” Rutte stated bluntly.

His comments come at a sensitive moment in transatlantic relations, as President Trump has renewed efforts to acquire Greenland—a move that has created friction with both Denmark and Greenland itself. Trump initially threatened to impose escalating tariffs on NATO countries, starting at 10% and potentially rising to 25%, until a deal for Greenland could be reached.

The strategic importance of Greenland has increased significantly in recent years as climate change opens new Arctic shipping lanes and reveals valuable natural resources. Both Russia and China have expanded their presence in the region, a development that concerns Western security experts.

Despite the tensions, Trump appeared to soften his stance following discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, announcing on social media that the U.S. and NATO had established a “framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region.” He also pledged not to use military force to acquire the island. However, details of this framework remain unclear, with Trump telling reporters Thursday that negotiations were ongoing.

Greenland, while seeking greater autonomy, has explicitly rejected American overtures. “If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen told reporters in January. “We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the EU.”

The island’s relationship with Denmark is complex, marked by a complicated history regarding the treatment of indigenous populations. Nevertheless, Greenlandic leaders have consistently expressed their preference to maintain ties with Copenhagen rather than Washington.

Despite the disagreement over Greenland’s status, Rutte acknowledged Trump’s legitimate concerns about Arctic security. “I think he’s right. There is an issue with the Arctic region,” Rutte said. “There is an issue of collective security, because these sea lanes are opening up, and because the Chinese and the Russians are more and more active.”

The NATO chief’s warning comes as some European officials, including Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, have floated the idea of creating an independent European military force. Rutte’s comments effectively pour cold water on such proposals, highlighting the practical impossibility of replacing American military capabilities and nuclear deterrence in the foreseeable future.

The situation underscores the complex interdependence between the United States and its European allies at a time of shifting geopolitical priorities, particularly in the strategically important Arctic region where climate change is rapidly altering the security landscape.