Discussion on Changing US Leadership in NATO: FT

Several European countries are engaged in informal negotiations about taking on primary responsibility for funding NATO and continental defense. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing its sources.

The publication states: “The largest military powers in Europe are formulating plans to take on greater responsibility for the continent’s defense away from the United States.” According to the newspaper's interviewees, among the countries participating in the discussions are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Nordic countries.

These nations intend to “develop a plan to shift financial and military burdens onto European capitals and present it to the United States ahead of the NATO annual summit in The Hague in June.”

“The proposal will include firm commitments to increase defense spending in Europe and enhance military capabilities. The countries will try to persuade US President Donald Trump to agree to a gradual transfer of powers. The plan is expected to be designed for a 5-10 year timeframe.”

The publication notes that the negotiations are an attempt to avoid chaos that could arise from a unilateral US withdrawal from NATO,” the publication further elucidates.