US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Europe must take a greater role in ensuring its conventional security, during his visit to Normandy for ceremonies commemorating the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings.
"Europe must be the first to ensure its conventional defense," Hegseth said, calling on European allies, including France, to increase their commitment in the defense field.
During a meeting also attended by the French Minister of the Armed Forces, Catherine Vautrin, he urged allies to seriously face current security challenges and demonstrate this through concrete steps.
Hegseth's statements reiterate the message he conveyed during a visit to Singapore in late May, when he criticized European countries for having long neglected calls to strengthen their defense capabilities.
For her part, Vautrin stressed that France remains committed to a process of rearmament and strengthening of military capabilities.
The Pentagon chief's comments come at a time when the United States has announced a reduction in the presence of American troops in Europe, while NATO member countries prepare for the next summit expected to be held next month in Ankara.
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