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NATO Chief Warns Against Separate European Military Force

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte addressed the European Parliament and said that a separate European military force would weaken Europe and aid Vladimir Putin.
He said Europe must take security responsibility within NATO, opposing proposals from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
Rutte warned that European self-defense would require spending well above 5% of GDP and noted tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland.

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Story summary

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte addressed the European Parliament and said that a separate European military force would weaken Europe and aid Vladimir Putin.
He said Europe must take security responsibility within NATO, opposing proposals from Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
Rutte warned that European self-defense would require spending well above 5% of GDP and noted tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland.