Europe draws up plan for new NATO without US

Europe is fast-tracking plans for a “European-led NATO” capable of operating without US forces, amid concerns over America’s reliability and President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to withdraw from the alliance, according to Wall Street Journal reports.

Officials working on the initiative say the plan, dubbed European NATO, aims to supplement US military assets with European ones, place Europeans in command-and-control roles, and maintain deterrence against Russia even if Washington pulls out.

The move follows Trump’s criticism of NATO allies over their response to Operation Epic Fury and the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and his proposal to relocate troops from countries deemed uncooperative to more supportive nations.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, a key architect of the plan, told WSJ:

“The most important thing is to understand that Europe is preparing to take more responsibility for its own security, in a managed and controllable way, rather than rely solely on the US.”

The shift is also driven by Germany under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has questioned reliance on the US nuclear umbrella, and by like-minded nations including the UK, France, Sweden, and Poland.

Experts note Europe already possesses significant military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, fighter jets, and nuclear deterrents, but lacks the strategic enablers—satellite surveillance, missile warning systems, and intelligence, that the US provides.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said earlier this year:

“Over the coming years we will more and more see a NATO that is more European-led.”

European countries are also reintroducing conscription in some states, boosting defense technology production, and preparing to lead more NATO exercises, particularly along the Russian border in the Nordic region.