Trump’s threats to NATO countries are forcing Europe to prepare its defences without the US – Politico

This is reported by Politico, citing European diplomats and officials.

According to the publication, European politicians and military officials have been discussing in closed-door meetings in Brussels and other capitals over recent months what to do if the US stops guaranteeing Europe’s security.

Diplomats acknowledge that Trump’s constant criticism of NATO is already weakening the alliance and undermining trust between allies.

At the same time, there is increasing talk in Europe of the need to establish its own defence system, increase military spending and reduce dependence on the US by forming European military alliances.

These discussions have intensified particularly following the conflict in the Middle East and disputes between the US and its European allies regarding participation in a war against Iran.

Among the possible alternatives or additional security mechanisms, European politicians are considering several options.

1. Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF)

This is a military alliance led by the UK, capable of responding rapidly to crises without formally invoking NATO’s Article 5. It comprises the countries of Northern Europe and the Baltic states, and Ukraine already has an enhanced partnership with this structure.

2. Nordic Defence Cooperation (Nordefco)

The defence alliance of Northern European countries is also gradually strengthening and could become one of the elements of a new security system in Europe.

Experts note that should the US role weaken, it is precisely these regional defence alliances that could form the basis of a new security architecture.

Trump’s statements that the US may withdraw from NATO or scale back its involvement are already being called the alliance’s biggest crisis in decades. European countries are particularly concerned, as it is the US that provides the nuclear deterrent, has the largest army in NATO and military bases in Europe, and funds a significant portion of the defence infrastructure.

Without the US, NATO could technically survive, but its military capabilities would be significantly reduced.

At the same time, some European leaders are not talking about the collapse of the alliance, but about its transformation – the creation of a so-called more European NATO, where Europe would take on the main responsibility for the continent’s defence.

Analysts note that for the first time since the Second World War, Europe is seriously considering a scenario in which the US focuses on Asia and domestic policy, whilst Europe would have to contain Russia on its own. This could mean the biggest overhaul of Europe’s security system since 1949, when NATO was established.