Stoltenberg Opposes Independent European Army Within NATO

Key Facts

• On January 26, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels.
• Stoltenberg stated that US President Donald Trump remains strongly committed to NATO.
• European proposals for an independent military force without US involvement were discussed amid rising transatlantic tensions.
• European Commission Defense Commissioner Thierry Breton and Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares mentioned creating a European military force.
• Stoltenberg emphasized Europe must take more responsibility for its security but within NATO’s framework.
• He warned that a standalone European defense system would require defense spending far exceeding the agreed 2% of GDP by NATO members.
• Creating a separate European army risks fragmenting and weakening military power, benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• Stoltenberg cautioned that such division would please Putin and undermine collective defense.

Summary

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reaffirmed US President Donald Trump’s strong commitment to NATO during a speech in Brussels on January 26. Amid heightened tensions between Europe and the US, including Trump’s claim over Greenland, European officials proposed establishing an independent European military force. Stoltenberg rejected this idea, stressing that Europe should enhance its security responsibilities but only within NATO’s framework. He highlighted that a separate European defense system would demand defense spending far beyond the current NATO guideline of 2% of GDP, risking military fragmentation and weakening. Stoltenberg warned that such a move would ultimately benefit Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, undermining European and transatlantic security. The message underscores NATO’s central role in European defense and cautions against unilateral military initiatives.