President Pavel: Europe must step up on defense, plan for US pullback

Czech President Petr Pavel has called for greater European responsibility in defense, warning that years of underinvestment have left the Continent fulfilling only half of its capability goals. Speaking at the NATO Public Forum in The Hague, Pavel said the 5 percent defense spending target reflects urgent, long neglected needs, particularly in Europe.

He questioned how long the U.S. can sustain its current military presence on the Continent and urged European allies to plan for a possible American drawdown.

Pavel also called for deeper cooperation between European countries and stronger links between NATO and the EU. He backed greater institutional independence for NATO’s European pillar, reducing reliance on Washington and allowing for autonomous European operations. “Europe must take charge of its own defense and of Ukraine’s future,” he said.