Europe eyes NATO leadership as US influence wanes
European countries with strong military potential are developing a strategy to replace the United States in NATO. This plan, which spans five to ten years, aims to prevent chaos that could occur if the U.S. were to unilaterally withdraw from the Alliance, reports "The Financial Times."
Informal talks are expected to include countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Nordic countries.
The push to increase responsibility for Europe's defense was initiated by repeated threats from President Donald Trump about weakening or withdrawing from the transatlantic alliance that has protected Europe for nearly 80 years, according to "FT."
The plan calls for increased defense spending in Europe and the expansion of military capabilities, aiming to convince Trump to agree to a gradual transfer of power, allowing the United States to focus more on Asia, the newspaper describes.
5-10 years to replace the U.S
The United States, which allocates more for defense than all other NATO allies combined, is crucial for Europe's security. Besides nuclear deterrence, the U.S. manages air, naval, and military bases. There are 80,000 American troops stationed in Europe.
Officials claim that it will take about five to ten years of increased spending to elevate European capabilities to a level where they could replace most of the United States' competencies, except for American nuclear deterrence.
One official said that the only option we have is to increase spending: sharing the burden and reducing dependency on the U.S, adding that they're initiating talks, but the scale of this task overwhelms many.
Many European capitals fear that the White House might quickly limit troop or equipment deployment or withdraw from joint tasks within NATO.
Not everyone is supportive
Some countries are hesitant to engage because they fear hastening U.S. actions, while others are unsure if the current presidential administration would agree to a structured process.
One European official said to a British newspaper that there is a need for an agreement with the Americans, and it is unclear whether they would be willing to form one. The official asked whether you can even trust them to adhere to it.
When asked about the European pillar in NATO, a high-ranking Western official pointed to the current actions within the so-called coalition of the willing, where the United Kingdom and France are taking initiative without American involvement.
The basic defense of Europe will always require the involvement of the United Kingdom and other Atlantic maritime powers, the Nordic countries in the defense of the northern part of the continent, and Turkey in the defense of the southeast, highlights "The Financial Times."
NATO representatives claim that maintaining the Alliance with reduced or no U.S. involvement would be much simpler than creating a new structure.
