Europe must act urgently and stop outsourcing defence, says EU's Kallas

January 28, 2026

European leaders are calling for urgent strengthening of the continent's defense capabilities and a more independent "European pillar" within NATO following deteriorating relations with the United States under President Trump. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that America is no longer prioritizing Europe and emphasized that no major power has survived by outsourcing its security to others. The debate intensified after NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte suggested Europe couldn't defend itself without the US, prompting strong rebuttals from French and EU officials who insist Europeans must take control of their own security.

Who is affected

European Union member states, particularly the 23 nations that belong to both the EU and NATO
Denmark (due to threats regarding Greenland, its semi-autonomous territory)
United States and its transatlantic relationship with Europe
Ukraine (regarding its NATO membership aspirations)
NATO alliance members collectively
Russia (as the primary security threat driving these discussions)

What action is being taken

NATO member states are working to increase their overall spending to 5% of GDP by 2035
The US is diminishing its military presence on the European continent
President Trump is exploring a potential deal on Greenland (though no details have emerged)

Why it matters

This represents a fundamental shift in the transatlantic security relationship that has underpinned European defense since World War II. Europe faces the challenge of developing greater military independence while maintaining the NATO alliance, all while confronting an increasingly aggressive Russia that has already launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The debate over defense spending levels and nuclear capabilities highlights the enormous financial and strategic challenges Europe would face in attempting to provide its own security without relying on American military guarantees, particularly the US nuclear umbrella that has been central to European defense for over seven decades.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC