Europe is preparing a “Plan B” for NATO: how the alliance could change without the US

A backup scenario for the Alliance

European countries have stepped up work on an alternative scenario for NATO’s functioning in the event of a possible reduction in participation or withdrawal of the United States from the Alliance.

According to The Wall Street Journal, this approach is informally called a “European NATO.” It is not about creating a new bloc, but about adapting the existing structure to potential changes.

Relying on one’s own forces

The key idea is to strengthen the role of European states in leadership and command, as well as gradually replacing American military resources with their own.

Among the priorities:

increasing defense budgets;
developing the military-industrial complex;
increasing weapons production;
strengthening critical security sectors.
Germany’s turn

An important signal was the change in position of Germany, which previously had a reserved attitude towards the idea of ​​European defense autonomy. Now Berlin supports greater responsibility of European countries for their own security.

This is associated with political risks, in particular, with statements by Donald Trump, who has sharply criticized allies and questioned NATO’s effectiveness.

Challenges to implementation

Despite the intensification of discussions, the implementation of such a scenario remains difficult. NATO’s architecture is historically based on US leadership, which means a deep dependence on American resources and command.

At the same time, European countries are already gradually increasing their role – both in military operations and in the Alliance’s management structure.

Compulsory service – back in the spotlight

One possible step could be the return of compulsory military service, which many countries abandoned after the Cold War.

President Alexander Stubb emphasized that such a practice could strengthen not only defense capabilities, but also national unity and civic consciousness.