The idea of a backup plan allowing Europe to defend itself using NATO’s existing military structures is gaining momentum. Long considered too ambitious, it now has the support of Germany, which had previously opposed any form of European military autonomy. Unofficially dubbed the “European NATO”, this project aims to increase European presence in the alliance’s command posts and supplement American military capabilities with European resources.
This movement is not seeking to compete with the current NATO, as explained in an article by the Wall Street Journal. Its proponents claim to want to preserve deterrence against Russia, ensure operational continuity, and maintain the continent’s nuclear credibility even if Washington were to reduce its commitment or withdraw its troops. The initiative comes amid threats of disengagement from the alliance by President Donald Trump, tensions surrounding Europe’s refusal to support the American campaign against Iran, and the deep-seated fear of the United States’ reliability.
The decisive turning point came from Berlin. For decades, Germany had opposed French calls for greater European sovereignty, preferring to rely on American assurances. However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently changed course. Concerned about Washington’s lack of coherence in the war in Ukraine, he fears that the United States might now confuse aggressor and victim and no longer act based on stable principles. Instead of challenging the alliance, Berlin aims to make it more European to ensure its longevity.
The structure of NATO remains primarily centered on American leadership – from intelligence to logistics, up to the supreme command still held by an American officer. Europeans are now striving to assume an increasing share of these functions, in line with a long-standing demand from Washington. The alliance’s Secretary-General, Dutchman Mark Rutte, has stated that NATO must become “more European-led” to remain transatlantic.
The novelty lies in the fact that this rebalancing is now led by Europeans themselves, without American impetus. Faced with verbal attacks from Donald Trump – who recently called NATO a “paper tiger” and labeled its allies as “cowards” – European leaders are responding by concretely implementing increased autonomy.
Context Note: The discussed initiative is aimed at strengthening European defense capabilities within the existing NATO framework.
Fact Check Note: The article references real concerns and discussions among European nations regarding the future of NATO and European defense in light of potential shifts in U.S. policy.
