🇪🇺 The largest European NATO countries are developing plans to gradually take on more responsibility for the continent’s defense instead of the United States.
💬 According to sources cited by Financial Times, the proposal from President Donald Trump’s administration is to transfer some defense responsibilities to European states over the next five to ten years. This is being discussed due to concerns that the U.S. may withdraw from NATO or weaken it, which would cause chaos in Europe’s defense.
🇬🇧 The discussions involve the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Nordic countries. Their goal is to develop a plan by the NATO leaders’ summit in June that includes increased defense spending and strengthening military capabilities.
🌏 These steps would also allow the U.S. to focus on other regions, especially Asia.
⏳ Officials estimate that to replace most U.S. military capabilities, Europe will need five to ten years of increased spending.
💡 “Increasing spending is the only feasible strategy: burden-sharing and reducing dependence on the U.S. We’ve started these talks, but the task is so vast that many feel overwhelmed,” said one official.
⚠️ Despite statements from U.S. diplomats that Trump remains committed to NATO membership and its Article 5 on collective defense, Europe fears that the White House could quickly reduce troop or equipment deployments or decrease involvement in NATO’s joint missions.
🤔 “You need to make deals with the Americans, and it’s unclear whether they will want to do that. Can you trust them to follow through?” said another official.
🇫🇷🇬🇧 The sources also pointed out the ongoing discussions between France and the UK about creating a “coalition of the willing,” indicating the direction of the movement.
🔍 When asked what European reliance in NATO means and whether it’s possible, one official replied: “We see it happening. We see it right now: the UK and France are taking the initiative [for reassurance forces for Ukraine] without American participation.”
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