Europe debates independent army amid NATO doubts

Discussions about creating an independent European army have intensified against the backdrop of doubts about US policy predictability and the necessity of NATO. Portugal and Spain have taken opposing stances, with Lisbon viewing Washington as a fundamental partner while Madrid calls for the EU to develop its own armed forces as a deterrent. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is categorically against the idea, arguing real strategic autonomy would require spending 10% of GDP and duplicating command structures, which would weaken overall defense. Polls show 86% of Europeans support developing independent defense capabilities, creating a gap between the alliance's positions and public sentiment that is generating new tensions within the bloc.