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🇫🇷 France /Conflict & Security

US Defense Chief Urges Europe to Do More, Warns of 'Dangerous Ideologies' on Beaches

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged European nations to increase their defense spending during a visit to the American military cemetery in Normandy.
  • Hegseth invoked the sacrifices of World War II allies, emphasizing that peace is guaranteed by strength and warning of dangerous ideologies assaulting European shores.
  • He questioned whether European capitals would act against this perceived

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday urged European nations to bolster their defenses, drawing a parallel between the sacrifices of World War II allies and the need for collective strength today. Speaking at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, Hegseth invoked the memory of fallen soldiers who fought as part of a warrior alliance where every partner contributed their industry, courage, and sacrifice.

The men buried here fought as part of a warrior alliance where every partner contributed their industry, their courage, and their sacrifice.

— Pete HegsethDuring a speech at the American military cemetery in Normandy.

"No empty slogans, no lavish summits, no communiques," Hegseth stated, contrasting past wartime unity with present-day calls for greater European commitment. He emphasized that in 1944, every allied nation "bled, took its share." While affirming America's commitment to lead, he stressed that allies must stand "shoulder to shoulder."

No empty slogans, no lavish summits, no communiques.

— Pete HegsethContrasting past wartime unity with present-day calls for greater European commitment.

Hegseth also warned of what he described as dangerous ideologies assaulting European shores, drawing an analogy to the D-Day landings. "Unfortunately, today, different European beaches are being stormed by various dangerous ideologies: on the beaches of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bulgaria, boats and men are landing," he declared. He posed the question, "Will European capitals act against this invasion, or is it already too late?"

America must show the way, and we will, but our allies must be with us, shoulder to shoulder.

— Pete HegsethEmphasizing the need for allied unity in defense.

His remarks, delivered in the presence of French counterpart Catherine Vautrin, notably omitted explicit mentions of ongoing conflicts in Iran, Ukraine, or other global hotspots. Hegseth concluded his address with a biblical quote, reinforcing his message of strength and vigilance.

Peace is guaranteed only by strength.

— Pete HegsethStating his view on security during his speech.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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