Kaja Kallas Urges Europe to Strengthen Defense Independence Amid Transatlantic Tensions

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:23:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a stark warning, EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, asserts that Europe must enhance its defense capabilities and reduce reliance on the US, following significant shifts in the transatlantic alliance.

At a recent defense conference, Kaja Kallas expressed the urgent need for European nations to improve their self-defense mechanisms, emphasizing that reliance on the United States is no longer a viable option. Stressing the historical context of strained US-Europe relations, Kallas called for a unified European defense strategy to ensure regional stability and security.

Europe must step up urgently to improve its defense and make NATO 'more European to maintain its strength', because the US has shaken the transatlantic relationship to its foundation, warns the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas.

Kallas mentioned that the US would continue to be a partner and ally for Europe, but highlighted the critical observation that no great power has ever 'outsourced its survival and survived'. Her statements come in the wake of a backdrop of chilling relations with the US, particularly during the Trump administration.

The perceived tensions escalated when President Trump threatened to take over Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.

Responses from European leaders to earlier comments made by NATO's Mark Rutte indicated a growing unease regarding reliance on the US for defense. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that Europeans can and must take control of their security, hinting at a broader sentiment among European countries.

Kallas further asserted that under the Trump administration, Europe was 'no longer Washington's primary center of gravity', urging a cultural shift from nationalistic perspectives towards a united European front.

She noted the importance of synchronizing efforts among the 23 nations that are members of both the EU and NATO, stressing the requirement for a distinct European contribution to the alliance's capabilities.

The recent Greenland rift highlighted a 'tectonic shift' in US-European relations, prompting discussions on Europe's need to bolster its defense strategy independent of the US nuclear umbrella. As NATO member states vowed to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, Rutte warned that if Europe truly wanted to 'go it alone', significant investment and strategic shifts would be necessary.

Addressing the situation, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius remarked that the US expects Europe to take more responsibility for its defense, as American presence on the continent diminishes.

Kallas concluded by calling Europe a 'giant, but a sleeping giant', and urged immediate action to establish independence in defense without further delay or excuses.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, especially with Russia's actions influencing NATO dynamics, Europe's decisions on defense will play a crucial role in shaping future transatlantic relationships.