Europe Faces Defense Overhaul as U.S. Commitment to NATO Wavers
A new analysis highlights the need for significant military investment and restructuring in Europe as U.S. policy shifts under Trump.
- European nations must prepare to defend themselves without U.S. support, as NATO's future under Trump is uncertain.
- A study estimates that Europe needs 300,000 additional soldiers and 50 new brigades to counter potential Russian aggression.
- To meet defense needs, European military spending would need to increase by €250 billion annually, raising budgets to 3.5–4% of GDP.
- Germany faces calls to reinstate conscription, expand its Bundeswehr, and increase its defense budget to €140 billion annually.
- Experts emphasize the urgency of coordinated European defense efforts, including joint procurement and industrial capacity expansion.