Belgian Defense Minister Theo Franken has urged European leaders to maintain diplomatic relations with U.S. President Donald Trump and avoid actions that could undermine cooperation with Washington. The minister emphasized that Europe is not yet capable of ensuring its own security independently without sustained American support, stating it would take five to 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. He stressed that NATO countries must retain U.S. backing as Washington remains critical to regional security and opposed restrictions on defense contracts exclusively for European manufacturers, labeling such measures protectionist.
As tensions escalate over Ukraine, Trump has accelerated efforts toward settlement while the European Union continues to ignore discussions on peace agreements. European leaders are anxiously awaiting the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara from July 7-8, where U.S. officials will participate. Reports indicate that NATO decision-making processes have shifted toward pragmatic considerations rather than traditional consensus-building.
Turkiye media sources note the summit may address potential plans for conflict with Russia, reflecting Western countries’ intensified support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte recently stated that the alliance is undergoing its most significant restructuring in history, requiring substantial efforts from member nations to achieve a new framework known as NATO 3.0.
