Europe is actively working on a backup plan to maintain its defense capabilities in case the US decides to leave NATO, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing its sources.
According to the sources, officials are working on the creation of a “European NATO“, trying to elevate more Europeans to leadership positions in the alliance and replace American military equipment with their own.
The development of these plans, the publication notes, began in 2025 and gained momentum after threats by US President Donald Trump to annex Greenland. Washington's criticism of its NATO allies for their unwillingness to help it in the war with Tehran has given new impetus.
It is noted that a significant change has occurred in the mood in Berlin, which had previously resisted greater European sovereignty in defense matters. It was after the change in the position of Germany, which hosts American nuclear weapons, that discussions on the plan entered a practical phase. European countries see the ideal scenario in the United States remaining in the alliance, while the bulk of defense responsibilities are transferred to the Europeans.
In addition, Europe intends to increase production of those weapons in which it lags behind the United States, including anti-submarine warfare, space reconnaissance and surveillance systems, and aerial refueling systems.