Europe weighs ‘fallback NATO’ plan amid fears of US pullback: Report

Europe is reportedly exploring a “fallback NATO” plan to keep the alliance functional if the US scales back its role

• Europe mulls backup plan to keep NATO running without US
• Plan to bolster EU command, cut reliance on US military
• Debate grows over Europe's strategic autonomy within NATO

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Europe is reportedly exploring a contingency framework to keep the NATO functional in case the United States scales back its role in the alliance, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal.

The proposal, informally referred to by European officials as “European NATO,” aims to strengthen Europe’s own defence capabilities while maintaining the transatlantic alliance structure, the report said.

Push for Greater European Defence Role

Under the emerging concept, European members would take on a larger share of command-and-control responsibilities within NATO and gradually reduce reliance on US military assets.

The plan is being discussed informally in diplomatic and policy circles and is not intended to replace NATO, but to ensure its continuity and deterrence capability, particularly against Russia.

European officials are reportedly also examining ways to strengthen logistics, air defence systems, and reinforcement routes for eastern members such as Poland and the Baltic states.

Trump Remarks Add to Strategic Anxiety

The discussions come amid renewed political uncertainty in Europe following statements by US President Donald Trump, who has previously questioned NATO’s effectiveness and called it a “paper tiger,” while also suggesting territorial ambitions involving Greenland, according to the report.

This has further fueled long-standing concerns in Europe about the dependability of US security guarantees.

Germany and Independent Security Strategy

According to reports, Germany which has historically been under the US nuclear umbrella and NATO leadership system has displayed increasing readiness to adopt an independent strategy when it comes to defence matters in Europe.

This is partly due to recent political shifts in Berlin including the political stance of the Chancellor Friedrich Merz that have influenced discussions about reducing reliance on Washington especially after the policy inconsistencies raised in Europe and the Ukraine war.

Shift Towards More European Leadership at NATO

Mark Rutte has also stated that NATO will gradually be moving towards more European leadership in the future ahead.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is involved in discussions, said the transition should be gradual and carefully managed rather than abrupt.

Practical Military Planning Underway

According to the report, European officials are also discussing operational scenarios, including:

• Command of NATO air and missile defence systems
• Reinforcement routes to frontline states in Eastern Europe
• Logistics coordination across the alliance
• Large-scale joint military exercises without direct US leadership

The goal, officials say, is to ensure operational continuity even if US officers step back from key roles within NATO structures.

Growing Debate Over Europe’s Strategic Autonomy

The idea reflects a broader shift in European security thinking, as countries including the UK, France, Poland, Nordic states, and Canada reportedly support elements of a contingency structure to strengthen European autonomy within NATO rather than outside it.

While this idea is still in its early stages, it already illustrates increasing uncertainity regarding the future power balance in the alliance and Europe’s defence strategy.