Denmark PM says Europe can improve defences now to become less reliant US
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe had made a “big mistake” by cutting military budgets in the past.
PHOTO: EPA
PARIS - Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in Paris on Jan 28 that Europe needed to improve its defences “now” to become less reliant on the United States for military protection.
Europe’s alliance with the US through NATO has been shaken by US President Donald Trump’s threat to seize Greenland from Denmark, which he has since rowed back.
But NATO chief Mark Rutte told EU lawmakers on Jan 26 to “keep on dreaming” if they thought Europe could defend itself without the US.
In response to Rutte’s comments, Ms Frederiksen conceded it would be “extremely difficult” for Europe to defend itself right now.
“Because when you look at intelligence, nuclear weapons, and so on, we depend on the US,” she said at Sciences Po university.
“But I think we’re able to do more than what is being said publicly right now.”
As for a 2035 target to ramp up spending on NATO, she said: “I’m sorry to say it would be too late.”
“I think rearming ourselves now is the most important thing.”
NATO members committed to raising defence and security spending
Ms Fredriksen said Europe had made a “big mistake” by cutting military budgets in the past.
Ms Frederiksen, along with Greenland’s premier, was due to meet French President Emmanuel Macron later on Jan 28. AFP
