Europe working on plan to replace US in NATO in five to 10 years: Report
6 days, 5 hours ago

Europe working on plan to replace US in NATO in five to 10 years: Report

Al Jazeera  

NATO members seek to avoid possible chaos should the US declare its withdrawal from the transatlantic military bloc. Europe’s biggest military powers are drawing up plans to take on greater responsibilities for the continent’s defence from the United States, including a pitch to the administration of President Donald Trump, for a managed transfer over the next five to 10 years, according to a new report. The news also comes as Bloomberg News reported on Friday that NATO will ask Europe and Canada to boost its weapons and equipment stockpiles by 30 percent, amid its political infighting with the US and Trump’s repeated threats to withdraw from the bloc. According to the FT report, the talks are an attempt to avoid possible chaos should the US unilaterally declare its withdrawal from the transatlantic security alliance that has protected Europe for the past 80 years. Quoting government officials, the FT report said it would take an estimated five to 10 years of increased spending to raise European capabilities to a level “where they could replace most US competences”.

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History of this topic

The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons
1 week ago

The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday announced a new drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defense equipment in Europe. AP AUDIO: The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the EU is announcing a new …

Why Europe and Canada are exploring alternatives to American-made fighter jets
1 week, 1 day ago

Why Europe and Canada are exploring alternatives to American-made fighter jets

India Today  

Questions are mounting in Canada and in Europe over whether big-ticket purchases of high-end U.S. weaponry, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, are still a wise strategic choice for Western countries worried about their investment in U.S. defense technology. “You’re not just buying an airplane, you’re buying a relationship with the United States,” said Winslow T. Wheeler, who spent …

US military equipment supplied to European Nato members jumps from 52% to 64%: Report
2 weeks, 2 days ago

US military equipment supplied to European Nato members jumps from 52% to 64%: Report

Firstpost  

US supplied 52 per cent of European Nato members’ military equipment between 2015 and 2019, which rose to 64 per cent in the subsequent five-year period, according to a report, citing Sipri data Servicemen of the 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a Leopard 1A5 tank during a training, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in …

US military equipment supplied to European Nato members jumps from 52% to 64%: Report
2 weeks, 2 days ago

US military equipment supplied to European Nato members jumps from 52% to 64%: Report

Firstpost  

US supplied 52 per cent of European Nato members’ military equipment between 2015 and 2019, which rose to 64 per cent in the subsequent five-year period, according to a report, citing Sipri data Servicemen of the 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a Leopard 1A5 tank during a training, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in …

US bolsters position as world’s top arms exporter
2 weeks, 2 days ago

US bolsters position as world’s top arms exporter

Live Mint  

American defense companies have increased their dominance of the global arms trade, buoyed by European nations snapping up U.S. jet fighters and missiles. The Sipri data show how the U.S. arms industry has been the key beneficiary of rising European defense budgets in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and as President Trump pushes the region to increase military …

Can NATO survive without the United States?
2 weeks, 6 days ago

Can NATO survive without the United States?

CNN  

Seoul, South Korea CNN — Europe is staring down the barrel of a stark new reality where the United States being the backbone of NATO – the alliance that has guaranteed the continent’s security for almost 80 years – is no longer a given. President Donald Trump’s public animosity towards Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, his willingness to embrace Russia’s Vladimir Putin …

Could Nato soon be over – and what might replace it?
Trending News
1 month ago

Could Nato soon be over – and what might replace it?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Freidrich Merz has questioned whether …

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. shifts its Europe stance under Trump

Associated Press  

SMARDAN, Romania — NATO members continued their largest combat exercises of 2025 on Wednesday, testing their ability to rapidly deploy large-scale forces on the 32-nation alliance’s eastern border as worries grow over its most powerful member, the United States. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded that allies dramatically ramp up military spending and said U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere — …

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. stance on Europe shifts under Trump
1 month, 1 week ago

A worried NATO holds large-scale combat drills as the U.S. stance on Europe shifts under Trump

LA Times  

Soldiers from a NATO member country run across a beach during the Steadfast Dart 2025 military exercise involving some 10,000 troops at a training range in Smardan, Romania, on Wednesday. Days before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Steadfast Dart 2025 drills comprise about 10,000 military personnel from nine nations as part of NATO’s new Allied …

The US thinks Europe isn’t pulling weight on Nato – but how much are countries spending on defence?
1 month, 1 week ago

The US thinks Europe isn’t pulling weight on Nato – but how much are countries spending on defence?

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. While the majority of Nato allies were predicted to …

NATO tests new deployment model without US ahead of Ukraine war anniversary
1 month, 1 week ago

NATO tests new deployment model without US ahead of Ukraine war anniversary

Associated Press  

NEA ANCHIALOS, Greece — NATO is testing its ability to rapidly deploy across eastern Europe — without direct U.S. assistance — as Washington shifts its approach toward European defense and the war in Ukraine. Greek and Spanish marines led Thursday’s military demonstration, an amphibious assault near the central Greek city of Volos, in the first full-scale operational deployment of NATO’s …

NATO chief says European defence without US ‘will not work’
1 month, 3 weeks ago

NATO chief says European defence without US ‘will not work’

Al Jazeera  

Mark Rutte says trade tensions under Trump will not affect NATO’s deterrence, stressing unity in military alliance. NATO chief Mark Rutte says tensions between Europe and the United States over trade issues under President Donald Trump will not affect the alliance’s collective deterrence. NATO’s secretary-general said a European defence strategy without Washington would be a “silly thought”. While Rutte said …

EU needs to end its military dependency on the US and arm itself ‘to survive,’ says Tusk
2 months ago

EU needs to end its military dependency on the US and arm itself ‘to survive,’ says Tusk

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union cannot rely on the United States to defend it and must increase military spending and security preparedness to help Ukraine and deter Russia from targeting any more of its neighbors, top EU officials warned on Wednesday. Ask yourselves what we can do for our own security,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose country holds the …

EU needs to end its military dependency on the US and arm itself 'to survive,' says Tusk
2 months ago

EU needs to end its military dependency on the US and arm itself 'to survive,' says Tusk

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ask yourselves what we can do for our own …

Europe ‘will spend more’ on defence, Nato head suggests
3 months, 1 week ago

Europe ‘will spend more’ on defence, Nato head suggests

Live Mint  

- Europe “will spend more” on defence, the head of Nato has suggested, after he warned that “it is time to shift to a wartime mindset”. Mark Rutte, the organisation’s secretary general, told the BBC that US president-elect Donald Trump was “right” that there should be more spending on defence. Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, Mr Rutte said: “My …

Europe ‘will spend more’ on defence, Nato head suggests
3 months, 1 week ago

Europe ‘will spend more’ on defence, Nato head suggests

Live Mint  

- Europe “will spend more” on defence, the head of Nato has suggested, after he warned that “it is time to shift to a wartime mindset”. Mark Rutte, the organisation’s secretary general, told the BBC that US president-elect Donald Trump was “right” that there should be more spending on defence. Speaking to the BBC on Thursday, Mr Rutte said: “My …

Trump says will 'absolutely' consider pulling US out of Nato if...
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Trump says will 'absolutely' consider pulling US out of Nato if...

Firstpost  

Trump’s reference to fairness pertains to the commitment made by Nato members to allocate at least 2 per cent of their Gross Domestic Product to defence spending US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to pull US out of Nato often. Nato members’ defence spending under scanner Trump’s reference to fairness pertains to the commitment made by Nato members to allocate …

European countries are spending more on defense, a think tank says
4 months, 2 weeks ago

European countries are spending more on defense, a think tank says

Associated Press  

PRAGUE — European nations boosted their defenses in response to the annexation of the Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a London-based think tank said Friday, but much remains to be done for them to be ready to face threats from Russia. “NATO has not just significantly increased its ambitions regarding its deterrence and …

The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says
6 months, 2 weeks ago

The EU buys too much defense equipment abroad, especially from the US, a major report says

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — European Union countries are buying too much of their defense equipment abroad, almost two thirds of it in the United States, and failing to invest enough in joint military projects, a landmark report on EU competitiveness warned on Monday. The 27 member states are also failing to make best use of Europe’s research and development capacities to modernize …

With uncertainty across the Atlantic, Europe worries about its own security
8 months ago

With uncertainty across the Atlantic, Europe worries about its own security

Associated Press  

LONDON — When Donald Trump suggested during the 2016 presidential campaign that he might not honor a U.S. commitment to defend other NATO countries if they were attacked, it triggered alarm throughout the trans-Atlantic alliance. “Confronted with powers such as Russia and China, and a United States whose pivot to Asia seems inevitable, no matter who wins the next election, …

EU to boost defence industry in a bid to move away from US dependency
1 year ago

EU to boost defence industry in a bid to move away from US dependency

The Hindu  

The European Union on March 5 outlined ambitious plans to boost its defence industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defence industry. Strategic independence In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more …

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The European Union on Tuesday …

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU plans to boost defense industry and move away from US dependency in the face of Russian threats

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Tuesday outlined ambitious plans to boost its defense industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defense industry. In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more than …

EU to boost defense industry, move away from U.S. dependency in the face of Russian threats
1 year ago

EU to boost defense industry, move away from U.S. dependency in the face of Russian threats

LA Times  

The European Union on Tuesday outlined ambitious plans to boost its defense industry as it responds to the threat posed by Russia’s war on Ukraine and seeks to wean member nations off an over-dependence on the U.S. defense industry. In the first 16 months since the February 2022 start of the Ukraine war, “member states spent more than on defense …

Europe Basically Can’t Defend Itself if the U.S. Pulls Out of NATO
1 year ago

Europe Basically Can’t Defend Itself if the U.S. Pulls Out of NATO

Slate  

Fearing that Donald Trump will pull out of NATO if he’s reelected president, and alarmed that the U.S. Congress is close to cutting off military aid to Ukraine, many Europeans are discussing the possibility of building their own independent defense force to deter and, if necessary, stave off an expansionary Russia. NATO’s 30 European members have been spending more money …

Europe Is Boosting Military Spending. It’s Still Not Enough.
1 year, 1 month ago

Europe Is Boosting Military Spending. It’s Still Not Enough.

Live Mint  

BRUSSELS—With a war raging nearby and the threat that a second Trump administration could pull the U.S. out of NATO, Europe has ratcheted up military spending. But the target of European spending might figure into the debate: Almost two-thirds of the money European governments have pledged for military gear since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago …

NATO chief hails record defense spending while warning that Trump's remarks undermine security
1 year, 1 month ago

NATO chief hails record defense spending while warning that Trump's remarks undermine security

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that its European members and Canada have ramped up defense spending to record levels, as he warned that former U.S. President Donald Trump was undermining their security by calling into question the U.S. commitment to its allies. AP AUDIO: NATO chief hails record defense spending while warning that Trump’s remarks undermine security. …

18 countries meet 2% military spending target, says NATO chief
1 year, 1 month ago

18 countries meet 2% military spending target, says NATO chief

The Hindu  

Eighteen out of 31 NATO countries will hit the target of 2% in defence spending of their gross domestic product in 2024, NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on February 14. "I expect 18 allies to spend 2% of their GDP on defence this year," Mr. Stoltenberg said at a news conference in Brussels, adding overall military spending was set …

Days after Trump warning, NATO says 18 of 31 members to hit defence spending target in 2024
1 year, 1 month ago

Days after Trump warning, NATO says 18 of 31 members to hit defence spending target in 2024

Firstpost  

18 of the 31 members of NATO are expected to reach the defense spending goal of two percent of GDP by 2024, Secretary Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. Overall European allies and Canada will have added more than $600 billion to their defence spending since they set the two-percent target a decade ago, he said. Spurred on by Russia’s all-out …

Europe must rearm as new military threats loom, US focus shifts, Germany’s defence minister warns
1 year, 3 months ago

Europe must rearm as new military threats loom, US focus shifts, Germany’s defence minister warns

Firstpost  

Over the past year, Russia has been hiking its weapons production considerably to sustain its invasion of Ukraine, while also threatening the Baltic states, Georgia and Moldova, Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius has said Europe must work to ensure it can defend itself as new military threats could emerge by the end of the decade even as the focus of …

U.S. to bolster its military in Europe
2 years, 8 months ago

U.S. to bolster its military in Europe

The Hindu  

President Joe Biden said Wednesday that the U.S. is enhancing its military presence in Europe for the long haul to bolster regional security after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meeting with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in Madrid at the opening of the alliance’s annual leaders summit, Mr. Biden said “NATO is strong and united" and that steps to be taken during …

US readies for long-term European security ramp-up after Russia’s invasion
2 years, 11 months ago

US readies for long-term European security ramp-up after Russia’s invasion

CNN  

CNN — The top US military general this week endorsed creating permanent US bases in Eastern Europe as a response to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, saying that American bases on NATO’s eastern flank would act as a deterrent to Moscow. While the budget was largely prepared before Russia’s invasion, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said last week that the budget …

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy
3 years, 1 month ago

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy

NPR  

Explaining the U.S. military presence in Europe as 2,000 more troops deploy Enlarge this image toggle caption Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images Allison Joyce/AFP via Getty Images The United States is moving thousands of troops to Eastern Europe as NATO allies step up pressure on Russia to stop its military buildup circling Ukraine. In addition to the permanent troops, an …

Biden sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension
3 years, 1 month ago

Biden sending more troops to Europe amid Ukraine tension

India Today  

President Joe Biden is sending about 2,000 US-based troops to Poland and Germany and shifting 1,000 soldiers from Germany to Romania as demonstrations of American commitments to allies on NATO’s eastern flank amid fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Pentagon said Wednesday. “These are not permanent moves,” he said, stressing that the purpose is to reassure allies at …

US and allies discussing deploying more troops to Eastern Europe prior to any Russian invasion of Ukraine
3 years, 2 months ago

US and allies discussing deploying more troops to Eastern Europe prior to any Russian invasion of Ukraine

CNN  

CNN — The US and a handful of allies are in discussions to deploy thousands more troops to Eastern European NATO countries before any potential Russian invasion of Ukraine as a show of support in the face of Moscow’s ongoing aggression, three US officials familiar with the discussions tell CNN. Therefore, the US is in discussions to send the additional …

NATO report: Only 7 members meeting defense spending targets
6 years ago

NATO report: Only 7 members meeting defense spending targets

CNN  

CNN — Despite many European countries boosting their defense budgets, only seven of the 29 NATO allies are currently reaching the recommended spending target of 2% of gross domestic product, according to NATO’s annual report, which was published Thursday. While previous US presidents had made similar critiques of NATO members’ defense spending, Trump has made it a central theme of …

NATO chief calls arms buildup unlikely, Putin warns Europe
6 years, 5 months ago

NATO chief calls arms buildup unlikely, Putin warns Europe

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that allies blame Russia for violating an important Cold War-era missile treaty but he does not expect them to deploy more nuclear warheads in Europe in response. “NATO’s military activities near our borders have reached the highest level since the Cold War times,” Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, noting that the …

A look at NATO and what the alliance does, past and present
6 years, 8 months ago

A look at NATO and what the alliance does, past and present

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, known as NATO, grew largely out of Cold War fears of Soviet aggression and expansionism following a communist coup in Czechoslovakia, the Soviet blockade of Berlin and other incidents. The events prompted members to establish a centralized headquarters, to commit joint military resources and to commit to “safeguard the freedom, common heritage and …

Trump suggested NATO countries double their defense spending goal
6 years, 8 months ago

Trump suggested NATO countries double their defense spending goal

CNN  

Brussels CNN — President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested NATO leaders increase their defense spending to 4% – doubling the 2% target that many NATO countries have yet to meet. “During the President’s remarks today at the NATO summit he suggested that countries not only meet their commitment of 2% of their GDP on defense spending, but that they increase …

NATO members to increase defense spending
7 years, 8 months ago

NATO members to increase defense spending

CNN  

Story highlights The boost that comes amid continued criticism from President Donald Trump Twenty-five NATO allies plan to increase spending in real terms in 2017 CNN — America’s NATO allies in Europe and Canada will increase defense spending by 4.3% in 2017, according to official NATO statistics released Thursday. The boost comes amid continued criticism from President Donald Trump, who …

Donald Trump Is Already Reforming NATO
8 years, 1 month ago

Donald Trump Is Already Reforming NATO

Huff Post  

There’s been plenty of drama in President Donald Trump’s first month, from the resignation of his national security advisor to the road-blocking of his refugee executive order. Last week, during a brief and frank speech at NATO headquarters, Secretary of Defense James Mattis unleashed his inner “Mad Dog” and demanded that his European counterparts start shouldering their portions of the …

The danger of Trump’s NATO comments (Opinion)
8 years, 8 months ago

The danger of Trump’s NATO comments (Opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling is a national security, intelligence and terrorism analyst for CNN. Story highlights Mark Hertling: Donald Trump's recent statements on NATO are irresponsible and dangerous Comments quickly take on more seismic consequences when directed to our friends and allies in Europe, he says CNN — Donald Trump’s statements suggesting his administration would place fiscal …

U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews
8 years, 10 months ago

U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews

NPR  

U.S. Enlarges Its Military Footprint In Eastern Europe, To Mixed Reviews Enlarge this image toggle caption Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images The most tangible sign of a growing American military presence in Eastern Europe, behind the former Iron Curtain, is tucked inside a former military base in rural Romania. toggle caption Gabriel Amza for NPR "It is fully compliant …

Rob de Wijk: European defence long way off
12 years, 9 months ago

Rob de Wijk: European defence long way off

Dutch News  

Europe is sinking into insignificance and nobody cares one bit, writes Rob de Wijk In 1989, just after the fall of the Berlin wall, I finished my dissertation on Nato. Now that the US itself is cutting spending, is focusing on Asia and complaining that Washington is coughing up 80% of Nato expenses, smart defence may very well be the …

Rob de Wijk: European defence long way off
12 years, 9 months ago

Rob de Wijk: European defence long way off

Dutch News  

Europe is sinking into insignificance and nobody cares one bit, writes Rob de Wijk In 1989, just after the fall of the Berlin wall, I finished my dissertation on Nato. Now that the US itself is cutting spending, is focusing on Asia and complaining that Washington is coughing up 80% of Nato expenses, smart defence may very well be the …

Europe must upgrade defences: NATO
14 years, 11 months ago

Europe must upgrade defences: NATO

The Hindu  

Europe will be a “paper tiger” in military terms unless it reverses the decline in its defensive capabilities, NATO’s chief warned on Saturday. But shrinking defence budgets during the economic downturn are causing a growing discrepancy in military capabilities between the United States and Europe’s NATO members, he said. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who is leading a …

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