Brussels, July 7 -- Urging European leaders to maintain a diplomatic and steady relationship with Washington, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has warned that Europe will remain reliant on American military protection for another five to ten years, while simultaneously cautioning US President Donald Trump against targeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The remarks follow a recent social media post by the US President, who joked about needing a restraining order against the Italian leader, reigniting diplomatic friction after an awkward encounter during the G7 summit in June.

According to a report by POLITICO, the Belgian minister emphasised that Europe cannot risk alienating the United States while the continent actively ...