France rejects NATO chief's claim that Europe cannot defend itself without US

France has publicly rebuked NATO's chief after he dismissed the idea of European self-reliance in defense, reigniting a long-standing debate over the continent's security sovereignty. The diplomatic spat underscores divergent views on the future of European defense architecture and its relationship with the United States.

A direct rebuttal on social media

Responding late Monday to comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot issued a sharp correction on the platform X. "No, dear Mark Rutte. Europeans can and must take charge of their own security," Barrot wrote. He added, "Even the United States agrees. It is the European pillar of NATO," referencing the longstanding US call for greater allied burden-sharing.

Rutte's remarks on European defense capabilities

The disagreement stems from Rutte's address earlier on Monday to committees of the European Parliament in Brussels. The former Dutch prime minister was unequivocal: "If anyone thinks here, again, that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US, keep on dreaming. You can't. We can't. We need each other." He criticized proposals for a separate European Defense Force as duplicative and complicated, stating, "I wish you luck if you want to do it," citing challenges in recruiting personnel.

Context of US pressure and diplomatic relations

The debate occurs within a context of persistent pressure from the administration of US President Donald Trump for European nations to significantly increase their defense spending and capabilities. Rutte, often described as a diplomatic conduit to Trump, recently helped avert a transatlantic trade dispute over Greenland. His latest comments reflect a pragmatic NATO stance, while France's response champions the political project of greater European strategic autonomy, a cornerstone of French foreign policy.