Portugal defense minister: European defense less effective without U.S.

Portugal's Defense Minister Nuno Melo believes European defense capabilities are diminished without the involvement of the United States. Melo, a leader in the CDS-PP party and a coalition partner in the current government, reiterated his stance against the creation of a European army. He argued that NATO remains the primary and most effective defensive strategy, emphasizing its role in maintaining peace since World War II. Melo stated that European defense "would not be equally effective with or without the United States." He asserted that no individual European nation possesses the capacity to offer a comprehensive response to security threats, a capability that NATO, with the U.S. as a key component, provides. Melo made these remarks in an interview with Jornal de Notícias and TSF, stressing the importance of the transatlantic alliance. He previously expressed reservations about a European army in May, though he noted that this did not preclude developing common defense aspects within the European Union. The minister's comments come amid ongoing discussions about European strategic autonomy and security cooperation.

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A European defense is not equally effective with or without the United States.