European countries currently do not have sufficient military capabilities to carry out independent operations in the Middle East, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Bloomberg.

According to him, if a situation arises in the Middle East that requires military intervention, Europeans should be able to act independently, rather than relying on Washington.

“At the moment, the Europeans do not have the capability at a sufficient level to do it, so we still need US leadership,” the NATO chief said.

Also, Rutte noted that after the fall of the Berlin Wall, European countries have sharply reduced their defense spending, hoping for a long-term peace. In this regard, he called on allies to increase their military budgets and develop their industrial defense capabilities to strengthen their own potential.

And reflecting on the current situation in the Red Sea, the NATO Secretary General noted that ensuring freedom of navigation cannot be entirely left to the US. He said that European countries have advanced sea mine clearance capabilities that are superior to those of the US and can be used in the region.