The European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, has called on European countries to strengthen their defence capabilities and take on a greater role within NATO, following growing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Speaking at a defence conference in Brussels on Wednesday, Kallas said recent actions by the US president had shaken the transatlantic relationship, forcing Europe to adjust to new geopolitical realities.
According to her, Europe can no longer depend heavily on Washington for its security, stressing that no major power has survived by outsourcing its defence.
“Europe is no longer Washington’s primary centre of gravity. This shift is structural, not temporary, and Europe must step up,” Kallas said.
Her comments follow recent controversy after President Trump threatened to take control of Greenland, a territory of NATO and EU member Denmark, before later retreating from the stance.
While reaffirming NATO as the foundation of European security, Kallas insisted that Europe must play a larger role within the alliance, especially as the United States shifts its strategic focus towards other global threats such as China.
“Now that the US is setting its sights beyond Europe, NATO must become more European to maintain its strength,” she stated.
European countries have increased defence spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago and last year agreed to significantly raise NATO’s spending targets. The EU has also launched initiatives aimed at mobilising up to €800 billion for defence investments.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has warned that Europe cannot defend itself without the United States, noting that replacing the US nuclear umbrella would require enormous financial commitments.
Rutte cautioned that any attempt by Europe to sideline the US within NATO could benefit Russia, urging EU countries instead to strengthen their defence industries by increasing funding and reducing regulatory barriers.
The developments highlight growing debates over Europe’s security responsibilities as global power dynamics continue to shift.
