NATO chief: Now is not the time to go it alone

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte firmly endorsed the organization’s role in a speech at the Warsaw School of Economics, declaring to Europe and the United States that in light of rising geopolitical challenges, it is “not the time for the U.S. or Europe to go it alone,” The Guardian writes.

“I know there are questions regarding transatlantic ties and the U.S. commitment to European security. There is tough rhetoric emerging; complex debates over trade and tariffs are taking place between Europe and the U.S.; and calls to revive the idea of European autonomy are being heard. Let me be absolutely clear, this is not the time to go it alone. Not for Europe or North America. The global security challenges are too great for any of us to face on our own. When it comes to keeping Europe and North America safe, there is no alternative to NATO,” Rutte said.

According to him, “it is impossible to imagine the defense of Europe without the United States, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Norway, and Iceland, and nothing can replace the U.S. nuclear umbrella, which is the main guarantor of our security.”

Rutte noted that he is “completely sure that the United States remains committed to NATO and Article 5.”