Kathmandu, March 24: European leaders are reportedly working on a plan to reduce their dependence on the United States for security, as concerns grow over Washington’s commitment to NATO. Britain, France, Germany, and the Nordic countries are discussing ways to take greater control of European defense and possibly transfer NATO leadership to Donald Trump if he returns to power. The proposal is expected to take five to ten years to implement and could be presented at the NATO summit in June.

Reports indicate that European countries are preparing for a scenario in which the United States withdraws from NATO or significantly reduces its role. To counter this, NATO is urging its European and Canadian members to increase their defense spending and expand their military arsenals by 30%. Germany, France, and Britain have already announced increased military investments, focusing on air defense, long-range strike capabilities, logistics, communications, and ground operations.

Currently, the U.S. contributes 15.8% of NATO’s $3.5 billion annual budget and has stationed between 80,000 and 100,000 troops across Europe. If the U.S. pulls back from the alliance, European nations would need to spend at least 3% of their GDP on defense. They would also have to fill the gaps left by the U.S., including ammunition stockpiles, transport and refueling aircraft, command systems, and satellite technology.

Another major concern is nuclear deterrence. NATO members Britain and France possess around 500 nuclear warheads, while Russia maintains an estimated 6,000. A shift in the alliance could require Europe to rethink its nuclear strategy. Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO and suggested that the U.S. should withdraw, which has further fueled discussions in Europe about strengthening its independent military capabilities.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for urgent action to reinforce Europe’s security. She stated at a summit in London that European nations must be prepared for a future where the U.S. plays a diminished role in NATO. Discussions about forming a European army have resurfaced, an idea that has been considered since the Cold War but has never materialized due to political resistance and U.S. opposition.

The prospect of a joint European military force is gaining traction as leaders seek to ensure the continent’s security. While Europe currently has around two million troops, experts believe it would take years to build a fully independent defense system. The coming months are expected to bring further debate on the future of NATO and Europe’s role in global security.