Europe Drafts 'NATO Without America' Contingency Plan, WSJ Reports
European officials are advancing plans to build a "European NATO" that could operate independently if the United States were to leave the alliance, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The proposal, which has gained momentum in recent months after Germany signaled support, is designed to maintain nuclear deterrence and military cohesion against Russia while reducing reliance on American personnel and equipment.
The plan, conceived about a year ago during heightened tensions between European capitals and the Trump administration, focuses on shifting command-and-control roles to European officers and replacing key US military assets, the WSJ reported. It does not aim to replace NATO itself, but rather to serve as a fallback structure if Washington withdraws, according to the report.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has publicly endorsed the goal of making the alliance less dependent on American leadership. "We need to become more European-led," Rutte said, as quoted by the WSJ, though he did not specifically confirm the existence of the contingency plan.
The initiative has faced opposition from some of NATO's main members, who fear it could accelerate a US departure and undermine the transatlantic bond, the WSJ noted. However, the tide turned after Germany—historically cautious about military initiatives—recently began backing the idea, pushing the discussion from theoretical to practical.
A key driver of the plan is a series of statements by US President Donald Trump, including his criticism of NATO allies for not helping during the Iran war and his renewed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, a NATO member. European officials interpreted these remarks as signals that Washington's commitment to the alliance could be conditional, prompting them to draft a backup strategy.
The WSJ report, which cites unnamed European officials, details that the plan would involve increasing European production of weapons in areas where the continent lags, including anti-submarine warfare, space reconnaissance, and aerial refueling systems. These capabilities are currently supplied primarily by the US, making them critical to replace in any transition scenario.
The report was also covered by TASS, the Russian state news agency, which framed the development as "Europe preparing for a potential US withdrawal from NATO" and emphasized the goal of "replacing US military equipment" with European-made systems.
While the plan is still in early stages and faces significant political and logistical hurdles, the WSJ report suggests that European leaders are determined to ensure the continent can defend itself regardless of Washington's future role in NATO.
Diverging Perspectives
The Wall Street Journal's report is the primary source for this story, and its accuracy has not been independently confirmed by other outlets at this time. The TASS report largely mirrors the WSJ's account but places more emphasis on the replacement of American military equipment, reflecting Russia's interest in transatlantic divisions.
Neither source disputes the core facts of the plan's existence or its objectives. However, the WSJ's framing is more cautious, noting the internal opposition within NATO, while TASS presents the plan as a concrete step toward European defense independence.
It remains unclear when or if the European NATO plan will be formally adopted, and how the US administration would react if it progresses further.
Looking Ahead
The development underscores the growing uncertainty over the future of the transatlantic alliance. As European leaders prepare for all scenarios, the coming months will likely reveal more details about the plan's scope and the level of support it commands among NATO members.