European nations strategise to offset US role in NATO
European countries with strong military potential are developing a strategy aimed at replacing the United States in NATO. This plan, spanning five to 10 years, seeks to prevent the chaos that could be caused by a unilateral U.S. withdrawal 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 Europe's defence responsibility was sparked by repeated threats from President Donald Trump regarding the weakening or withdrawal from the transatlantic alliance that has protected Europe for almost 80 years, according to "FT."
The plan involves boosting defence spending in Europe and expanding military capabilities, which aims to convince Trump to agree to a gradual transfer of power, allowing the United States to focus more on Asia, describes the newspaper.
5-10 years to replace the U.S
The United States, which allocates more for defence 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 10 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 "for"
Some countries are hesitant to engage out of fear of hastening U.S. actions, while others are uncertain whether 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 highlighted current actions within the so-called coalition of the willing, where the United Kingdom and France are taking initiative without American involvement.
The basic defence of Europe will always require the involvement of the United Kingdom and other Atlantic maritime powers, the Nordic countries in the defence of the northern part of the continent, and Turkey in the defence 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.
