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NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned against trying to “separate Europe from North America” and said the European Union “cannot defend the continent alone” in the face of the threat of terrorism and Russia’s “destabilizing behavior”.
“Any attempt to separate Europe from North America will not only weaken NATO, but will also divide Europe,” Soltenberg said.
“I do not believe in Europe alone, nor in North America alone. I believe in North America and Europe together, in NATO, in strategic solidarity. “Despite the challenges we face, we are stronger together.”
In an interview with AFP, he added that he welcomed Brussels’ efforts to increase spending and modernize the defense industry, but said he was skeptical of calls for Europe to develop “strategic autonomy”, the kind the president is pushing for. of France, Emmanuel Macron.
“I support EU defense efforts because more defense spending, new military capabilities and addressing the fragmentation of the European defense industry – all of which will be good for European security, for transatlantic security, for all of us. “So all these efforts – as long as they complement NATO – we welcome them, but the EU cannot protect Europe.”
Stoltenberg underlined that the strong transatlantic link is the “foundation” of Europe’s security. Former United States President Donald Trump has strained relations with European NATO members, claiming they do not contribute enough to their defense.
Trump has, on several occasions, questioned the importance of the military alliance. New President Biden has called for closer co-operation with NATO allies but at the same time stressed the need for Europe to meet spending commitments. He is expected to attend a summit of NATO leaders later this year.
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