TIRANA, January 27 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe cannot defend itself without the United States. He made the remarks during a hearing at the European Parliament.

According to Rutte, European security depends on close cooperation with Washington. He stressed that allies need each other to face current threats.

Meanwhile, he said the U.S. also relies on NATO to guarantee its own security. He described this relationship as mutual dependence within the alliance.

At the same time, Rutte warned that Europe cannot replace U.S. security guarantees alone. He said such an effort would require massive spending and nuclear capabilities.

In addition, he highlighted the need for stronger coordination between NATO and the European Union. He said the EU plays a key role in resilience and regulation, while calling for more flexibility.

On Greenland, Rutte said NATO and allies discussed security in the Arctic region. He added that Denmark, Greenland, and the United States handle related political talks independently.

Later, he addressed the war in Ukraine. Rutte said Europe’s defense industry remains important but cannot yet meet Ukraine’s urgent needs.

As a result, he urged the EU to prioritize flexibility in using its 90-billion-euro loan package for Ukraine. He said U.S. military support continues to play a decisive role in Ukraine’s defense.

/a.p./