Leading European military powers, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Nordic countries, are formulating a strategic plan to assume greater responsibility for continental defense, aiming to reduce dependence on the United States within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over the next five to ten years.
This initiative seeks to manage a gradual transition to prevent the potential instability of an abrupt American withdrawal, a concern heightened by President Donald Trump’s threats to diminish U.S. involvement in NATO. European officials aim to present a proposal before the NATO summit in June, focusing on commitments to increase defense spending and military capabilities.
The proposals goal is to allow the U.S. to focus more on Asia, given its indispensable role in European security due to its significant defense expenditure and military presence, including nuclear deterrence. European defense spending has increased following Trump’s election, with the EU also implementing initiatives to bolster military investments.
Despite these efforts, uncertainties remain about the U.S.’s willingness to engage in or adhere to such a structured plan. Meanwhile, discussions led by France and the UK on forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine indicate the direction towards greater European responsibility in defense.
