'More Europe cannot mean Europe alone,' Stoltenberg says, cautioning against undermining transatlantic ties.

Axar.az reports citing Turkish media that NATO's secretary-general warned European members of the alliance against undermining transatlantic ties by their plans to build a European military.

In a speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Jens Stoltenberg welcomed EU plans to boost defense capabilities and spending, but also cautioned allies against duplicating military efforts and alienating the U.S.

"Some say that the answer is more Europe, and I agree. But this is only part of it because more Europe cannot mean Europe alone," he stressed.

"Any attempt to distance Europe from North America not only weakens the transatlantic bond and our ability to compete on the global stage, but it also risks dividing Europe," he added.