Europe must do more for defense, security: NATO chief

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday called on the European Union to do more for defense and security under uncertain circumstances.

He made the remarks in a speech delivered at an event hosted by the think tank the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF).

Stressing the importance of the transatlantic bond, the NATO chief said, "Two World Wars -- and the Cold War -- have taught us that the security of Europe relies on the U.S., and that the U.S. has a profound strategic interest in a stable and secure Europe."

He said the transatlantic bond should remain strong in these uncertain times, what with challenges posed by Russia and turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East.

"Crucially, Europe must do more on defense and security...and an important part of that is closer cooperation between NATO and the European Union," Stoltenberg said.

Calling for European allies to spend more on defense, he said, "We have heard that call many times, from many American leaders, from President Obama and from president-elect Trump."

Stoltenberg also underlined the complementarity, rather than competition between the two, when it comes to European defense. "NATO nations and EU members simply cannot afford two sets of forces and capabilities," he added.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Stoltenberg would present concrete proposals to further strengthen NATO-EU cooperation next month. Endit