US Official Urges European Partners to ‘Fly Solo’ on Conventional Defense, Vows Nuclear Shield
Munich, Germany – A senior American official has signaled a significant shift in Washington’s long-term expectations for European defense, stating that the United States ultimately anticipates Europe will assume primary responsibility for its conventional security while maintaining the crucial American nuclear umbrella.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Matthew Whitaker, the US Representative to NATO, articulated a vision for a more self-reliant Europe within the alliance. “We expect Europe to rebalance its share – to grow stronger and share the burden of guaranteeing Europe’s security with the United States,” Whitaker stated. He added that Europe should “ultimately assume responsibility for the conventional defense of the European continent, while maintaining the comprehensive US nuclear umbrella.”
Washington’s Strategic Shift
Whitaker emphasized that while the United States remains committed to its involvement in NATO activities, it faces numerous security commitments across other parts of the world. This perspective underscores a strategic recalibration, where Washington seeks to encourage its European allies to bolster their military capabilities and financial contributions to shared defense.
The Burden-Sharing Imperative
Drawing an analogy to familial relationships, Whitaker described the current state of the Washington-NATO relationship. “When people talk about dependency, I think of a family. You know, when your children are young, they’re dependent on you, but eventually, you expect them to find a livelihood,” he explained. “This is our current situation. We still love them, and you are still our allies, but we want them to grow and become individuals who can be independent.”
He clarified that the United States is not seeking complete independence from Europe but is insistent on Europe becoming a stronger and more capable partner.
NATO Leaders Weigh In
The sentiment for greater European self-sufficiency resonates with discussions within NATO circles. Last week, Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee, reportedly told the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia that Europe cannot develop a standalone army. Instead, he stressed that strengthening the European component of NATO must be a collaborative effort undertaken by member states themselves.
The statements from both US and NATO officials highlight a growing consensus on the need for Europe to increase its defense spending and military readiness, shaping the future dynamics of the transatlantic alliance.
