'Keep dreaming': NATO chief says Europe can't defend itself without USBRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan 27, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - NATO chief Mark Rutte warned Monday Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, in the face of calls for the continent to stand on its own feet after tensions over Greenland. The diplomatic crisis gave fresh momentum to those advocating for Europe to take a tougher line against Trump and break its military reliance on Washington. "If anyone thinks here again, that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the US -- keep on dreaming. The NATO head reiterated his repeated praise for Trump for pressuring reluctant European allies to step up defence spending. He also appeared to knock back a suggestion floated by the EU's defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius earlier this month for a possible European defence force that could replace US troops on the continent.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 27, 2026 10:09 UTC