Europe plans for 'NATO without America' scenario

Europe's leading military powers are drawing up plans to take on more responsibility and gradually replace the US military capacity in the NATO alliance.

According to the Financial Times on March 21, the move by European countries is aimed at avoiding being passive in the scenario of the US unilaterally leaving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), after US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to withdraw the US from this military alliance.

Britain, France, Germany and the Nordic countries have met informally to draw up a plan for Europe to share the financial and military burden, the newspaper reported, citing officials familiar with the matter. The plan is expected to be presented to the US at a NATO summit in June.

NATO summit in the US in July 2024

The proposal would include firm commitments to increase European defense spending and build military capabilities, and would persuade President Trump to gradually transfer responsibility within NATO.

Countries including Germany, France and the UK have moved to increase defence spending since Mr Trump was elected US president, while the European Union (EU) has also launched an initiative for member states to increase military spending.

The US currently plays an important role in European security, as a key member of NATO, with higher defense spending than all other NATO members combined, along with nuclear deterrence capabilities. However, the situation has become uncertain as the Trump administration has shown cracks with Europe. Experts say European security will be significantly affected if the US suddenly leaves NATO or reduces its presence in this military bloc.

The European defense plan under consideration estimates that it would take five to 10 years for European defense spending to largely replace US military capabilities.

“Increasing spending is the only way we have to share the burden and gradually reduce our dependence on the US. We are starting negotiations but the task is so big that many people are overwhelmed by its scale,” the Financial Times quoted an official as saying.

However, some European countries are concerned that the plan could further distance the US from NATO, believing that Mr. Trump has no intention of significantly changing his presence in Europe despite his tough statements.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chau-au-len-ke-hoach-cho-kich-ban-nato-khong-my-185250321075656312.htm