Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken told Politico that Europe still needs the United States to defend itself for at least another decade, and that European leaders must avoid upsetting President Trump. He said Europe will need five to ten years to build the conventional military capabilities the US currently provides, but harshly criticized Trump's attacks on Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken said in an interview with Politico published Tuesday that Europe remains dependent on US military protection and will need at least another decade to build the conventional capabilities to defend itself independently. He urged European leaders to avoid antagonizing President Donald Trump.
"The European Union is still nowhere near being able to defend itself without continued American assistance, so Europeans must keep the Americans in the picture," Franken told Politico. He estimated it would take Europe between five and ten years to build the conventional military capabilities the US currently provides.
Franken separately issued sharp criticism of Trump's public attacks on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, calling her "the alpha of the center-right camp in Europe" and urging Trump to leave her alone. The remarks come against the backdrop of an ongoing public feud between Trump and Meloni, which The Zioneer has been tracking. Trump has mocked Meloni on social media and accused her of refusing cooperation during US operations against Iran, while Meloni has responded by defending her record and rejecting what she called constant unprovoked attacks.
As The Zioneer reported over recent weeks, the Trump-Meloni dispute has escalated from a disagreement over a G7 photo to a series of public exchanges, with Meloni's domestic standing reportedly benefiting from her firm stance.
- DevelopingTrump says NATO allies agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defense a year ago, most have not met target
- StrongMeloni slams Trump: 'Too bad he is not as determined with the West's enemies'
- StrongTrump posts new criticism of NATO allies' spending, German defense chief fires back
- StrongECFR poll shows European trust in US security guarantees at historic low
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