Washington, April 15: European nations are advancing contingency planning within NATO to strengthen their defence capabilities in case the United States reduces its military role, amid rising concerns over Washington’s stance on the alliance and tensions linked to the Iran conflict.
According to a report, officials are informally developing proposals described as a “European NATO”, aimed at increasing European control over command structures while supplementing existing US military assets. The effort seeks to maintain deterrence against Russia and ensure operational continuity without dismantling the alliance.
The discussions have gained momentum within NATO circles, with participants stressing that the objective is not to replace NATO but to adapt its functioning if US support declines. The initiative focuses on preserving defence readiness and sustaining nuclear credibility under changing geopolitical conditions.
Germany’s backing has added weight to the proposal, marking a shift in its position under Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Berlin’s evolving stance reflects growing uncertainty over the reliability of US commitments to European security.
The move follows repeated criticism of NATO by Donald Trump, who has questioned the alliance’s value and warned of withdrawing support if European allies fail to align with US priorities, including on Iran. His remarks have heightened concerns among European leaders about the future of transatlantic defence cooperation.
Officials emphasise that any transition would be gradual. Finland’s President Alexander Stubb stated that a shift in defence responsibility from the United States to Europe is already underway and should proceed in a controlled manner. He underlined the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security after decades of reliance on US support.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius reiterated that NATO remains essential for both Europe and the United States but acknowledged the need for Europe to assume a larger role in its defence framework.
Despite growing momentum, significant challenges remain. NATO’s structure is deeply rooted in US leadership, particularly in areas such as intelligence, logistics and high-level command. While European participation in senior roles has increased, critical gaps persist in missile warning systems, intelligence capabilities and nuclear deterrence.
Officials note that no European country currently matches the scale of the US nuclear umbrella that underpins NATO’s defence posture. In response, European nations are increasing defence production and coordination, including joint development of advanced military systems and discussions on extending France’s nuclear deterrent.
The debate has also revived discussions on military conscription, with some leaders pointing to Finland’s model as a potential approach to strengthening preparedness.
However, officials acknowledge that Europe cannot rapidly replace the United States as NATO’s central military force due to longstanding capability gaps.
Formed in 1949, NATO has relied on US military strength as the cornerstone of its collective defence. As geopolitical tensions intensify, Europe’s push for greater strategic autonomy signals a shift in the alliance’s internal balance, with potential implications for global security dynamics.
