NATO Military Committee chair Giuseppe Cavo Dragone opposes a European army, stressing NATO’s role and the need for US involvement in European security.

NATO Military Committee Chairman Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone has spoken out against the idea of creating an independent European army, stressing continued commitment to the existing framework of the North Atlantic Alliance. His position was outlined in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Earlier, EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius said there was support within European Union structures for establishing permanent pan-European armed forces of up to 100,000 troops. He also proposed opening discussions on the creation of a European Security Council.

Dragone made it clear that he does not support the concept of a European army. He emphasized that NATO, together with the United States, remains a proven and effective alliance, adding that the role of the U.S. military continues to be fundamental to European security.

At the same time, the NATO military chief acknowledged that limited strategic adjustments and flexible adaptation could be possible in the future. According to him, increased European contributions would allow for higher defence spending and closer cooperation with the defence industry.

Against this backdrop, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, speaking on Monday, January 26, during a discussion with members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, urged the European Union to abandon the illusion that it could guarantee its own security without U.S. involvement.

Dragone said he viewed Rutte’s remarks as a constructive signal, noting that Europe can do more, while the transatlantic link between the United States and the European Union remains beyond dispute.