Europe unable to defend itself without the United States, says NATO Sec Gen
In a stern warning to European lawmakers, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that Europe is unable to defend itself without the support of the United States. Speaking to European lawmakers, Stoltenberg emphasized that if anyone believes that Europe or the European Union can safeguard itself without the United States, they are “dreaming.” The NATO chief emphasized that Europe and the United States are interdependent, and without the latter, Europe would lose its biggest guarantor of freedom and security, which is the US nuclear umbrella.
In recent weeks, tensions within NATO have increased following US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark that is a NATO member. Trump had also announced plans to impose tariffs on European allies who support Greenland’s independence, but later backed down following a framework agreement on the island, which was facilitated by Stoltenberg.
Stoltenberg has warned that if Europe truly wants to stand alone without the United States, it would need to increase its defense spending to 10% of its GDP, rather than the current 5%, and develop its own nuclear capabilities, which would require billions of euros in investments. The NATO chief has cautioned that Europe would be unable to maintain its security and sovereignty without the support of the United States.
Recent tensions within NATO have been exacerbated by the bloc’s inability to reach a consensus on defense spending. In the past month, European countries have agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035, but Spain has opted out of the agreement. Meanwhile, France has increased its calls for European strategic autonomy.
In other news, a devastating plane crash in India has claimed the lives of several passengers, including the state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar. The pilot of the ill-fated plane had reported that the runway was not visible before the incident. In a separate development, Hamas has agreed to transfer control of Gaza’s coastal region to the Palestinian Commission.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a possible outbreak of the deadly Nipah virus in India, prompting several countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Nepal, to take measures to prevent its spread.
The US has expressed its opposition to a free trade and defense agreement between India and the European Union, with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin accusing European countries of funding their own defense through trade agreements with India.
A massive naval fleet is reportedly heading towards Iran, with the US President stating that he has not spoken to his special envoy, Steve Wietkoff, in recent days. In a separate development, Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has spoken to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, emphasizing that regional instability is not in anyone’s favor.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has warned that Pakistan’s entire debt can be written off through a single payment from Karachi. In a separate development, a plane crash in India has claimed the lives of several passengers, including the state’s deputy chief minister, Ajit Pawar.
The Indian Health Ministry has issued a warning and advisory regarding the spread of the deadly Nipah virus from India.
The International Community has expressed concerns over the increasing cases of human trafficking, smuggling, and organized crime in India. The US has issued a severe cold weather warning for 20 crore people.
The Chairman of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has warned that Pakistan’s entire debt can be written off through a single payment from Karachi.
In sports news, the Bangladesh Cricket Board has revealed that the country’s cricket team will travel to the World Cup at a personal expense.
