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Europe Plans for NATO Without US, Eyes 10-Year Defense Shift
Europe’s biggest military powers are planning to reduce reliance on the US for defense, aiming for a 5-10 year transition. Talks are underway ahead of NATO’s June summit.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-21
Europe Plans for NATO Without US, Eyes 10-Year Defense Shift

Europe’s largest military powers, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Nordic countries, are strategizing a shift toward greater self-reliance in defense, reducing their dependence on the United States within the next five to ten years, according to a report by The Financial Times.

These discussions, though informal, aim to create a structured transition plan that will be presented to the US ahead of NATO’s leaders’ summit in The Hague in June. The move is seen as a response to growing concerns over Washington’s commitment to the alliance, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the US role in NATO.

NATO’s Future Without Full US Commitment

The US currently contributes 15.8% of NATO’s $3.5 billion annual budget and has between 80,000 and 100,000 troops stationed across Europe. Its presence has been a cornerstone of European security for decades. However, European nations are now accelerating their military spending and defense investments to counter the possibility of a sudden US withdrawal.

Bloomberg News also reported that NATO is urging Europe and Canada to increase weapons and equipment stockpiles by 30% amid ongoing political uncertainty with the US. The key areas of focus include air defense systems, deep-fire capabilities, logistics, communication, and land maneuver forces.

Europe’s Path to Self-Reliance

European officials acknowledge that replacing US military support will be a significant challenge, requiring substantial financial and structural adjustments.

“Increasing spending is the only play that we have: burden sharing and shifting the dial away from US reliance,” a European official told The Financial Times.

Since Trump’s return to office, European nations have been scrambling to reassess their military strategies, especially in light of increasing Russian assertiveness. While some believe Trump’s stance on NATO is merely rhetorical, others fear that Europe can no longer rely on Washington’s long-term commitment to the alliance.

With NATO at a crossroads, the coming years will determine whether Europe can successfully build a more independent defense framework or if transatlantic ties will remain vital to the continent’s security.
Tagged:

NATO

Geopolitics

MilitaryStrategy

TrumpPolicy

EuropeDefense
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