Europe rallies to replace U.S. in NATO's strategic pivot
European countries with significant military capabilities are developing a strategy to potentially replace the United States within NATO. This plan, envisaged over a five to ten-year period, aims to prevent the potential chaos that could result from a unilateral U.S. withdrawal from the Alliance, reports "The Financial Times."
Informal discussions are anticipated to include countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Nordic nations.
The initiative to assume more responsibility for Europe's defence was prompted by repeated threats from President Donald Trump regarding either weakening or withdrawing from the transatlantic alliance that has safeguarded Europe for nearly 80 years, according to "FT."
The newspaper describes that the strategy involves increasing defence expenditure within Europe and enhancing military capabilities, which seeks to persuade Trump to consent to a gradual transfer of power, thereby allowing the United States to focus more on Asia.
5-10 years to replace the U.S
The United States, which spends more on defence than all other NATO allies combined, is vital for Europe's security. Besides nuclear deterrence, the U.S. manages air, naval, and military bases. There are approximately 80,000 American troops stationed in Europe.
Officials assert that it will require about five to ten years of increased spending to raise European capabilities to a level where they could replace most of the United States' competencies, excluding 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 are concerned that the White House might swiftly limit troop or equipment deployment or withdraw from joint operations within NATO.
Not everyone is supportive
Some countries are hesitant to engage for fear of precipitating U.S. actions, while others are uncertain whether the current presidential administration would agree to an organised 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 questioned about the European pillar in NATO, a senior Western official pointed to current operations within the so-called coalition of the willing, where the United Kingdom and France are taking the lead without American involvement.
The newspaper highlights that the fundamental defence of Europe will always necessitate the involvement of the United Kingdom and other Atlantic maritime powers, the Nordic countries in securing the northern part of the continent, and Turkey in defending the southeast.
NATO representatives assert that maintaining the Alliance with reduced or no U.S. involvement would be much simpler than creating a new structure.
