Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has advocated for Europe to develop greater military independence. Speaking to “Politico”, Rasmussen stressed that while NATO remains the foundational pillar of European security, the alliance itself needs to evolve into what he terms a “European NATO”.
Although Europe will remain dependent on the United States in the short term, Rasmussen believes the focus must shift toward long-term self-reliance. He aims for Europe to become capable of producing its own weapons and ammunition that can be utilized domestically without relying on American supplies.
He views the potential reduction of the US presence in Europe not as a vulnerability, but as a strategic opportunity that Europe should seize. To achieve this autonomy, Rasmussen emphasized the necessity for the continent to stand on its own feet.
