Former NATO Secretary-General: A NATO without the United States would lose its meaning.

NATO's former Secretary-General: Without the US, NATO is "nothing"

Sputnik News, Moscow - NATO's former Secretary-General and former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen stated that without the United States, NATO is "nothing," and if Washington decides to withdraw from NATO, European countries will have to establish their own "European NATO."

Rasmussen told the U.S. political news website The Politico: "It is clear that without the United States, NATO is nothing. Therefore, if the United States decides not to participate in NATO or ignore it, European countries will have to establish a European NATO."

Rasmussen believes that Europe is still "too dependent" on Washington, and that the idea that Europe and the U.S. will completely break off is a fantasy. However, he also pointed out that the trend of "reducing risks" is growing among European countries.

On January 26, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a discussion with members of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs: "If someone thinks that the EU or the entire Europe can defend itself without the United States, then they can continue to dream."

U.S. President Trump has repeatedly criticized Europe for its low contribution to NATO defense and has demanded that all member states increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP. U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the U.S. has no plan to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe at this time.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856971761678348/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.