Europe accelerates plan for a NATO without the USA

Europe is actively working on a backup plan to maintain its defensive capabilities in the event of a United States withdrawal from NATO, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

According to the American newspaper, European officials are reportedly building a sort of “European NATO”: promoting their own representatives to leadership positions within the Alliance and initiating a progressive process of replacing American-made military equipment.

The drafting of the plan reportedly began as early as last year but gained decisive momentum following President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Greenland and his criticism of European allies for their lack of participation in the war in Iran. A key turning point was Germany’s change in position, which helped shift the debate from a theoretical level to an operational one.

The preferred scenario for European chancelleries remains one in which the United States stays within NATO, but with a progressive transfer of defensive responsibilities to European partners. In short, a model of gradual strategic autonomy rather than a clean break.

On the industrial front, Europe intends to accelerate production in sectors where it faces the most significant delays compared to its overseas allies: anti-submarine warfare, space reconnaissance, and aerial refueling systems are among the priorities indicated by the Wall Street Journal.

Photo nato.int