Europe Draws Up Contingency Plans to Prepare for US Withdrawal from NATO

Moscow (ANTARA) - European countries are drawing up contingency plans to survive if the United States withdraws from NATO membership, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal citing several sources.

The plan, designed to ensure Europe’s ability to defend itself independently by utilising NATO’s existing military structures, is reportedly gaining momentum after receiving support from Germany, its long-time opponent.

The plan is not intended to rival the North Atlantic Alliance, but to safeguard European defence if the United States withdraws its troops or refuses to provide assistance.

According to the report’s sources, ideally, the US would remain in NATO, but most regional defence responsibilities would be transferred to European countries.

The need for this initiative is considered more urgent after Europe refused to assist the US in operations against Iran.

Previously, Germany supported the US role as Europe’s primary security guarantor. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz now doubts the US’s capabilities as an ally under the Trump administration or in the future.

Berlin’s change in stance has spurred stronger support from other European countries, including the UK, France, Poland, Nordic countries, and Canada. These nations view the plan as a kind of “voluntary coalition” within NATO.

On 1 April, Trump admitted he was seriously considering withdrawing the United States from NATO after his allies refused to join the war against Iran.

Trump also stated that he no longer views Europe as a reliable defence partner after European countries refused to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz.