Overview
- European allies are drafting a backup that would let Europe defend itself using NATO’s existing command system if the United States refuses to step in.
- Momentum has grown after Germany dropped its resistance and agreed to the effort, which officials say moves the idea into practical planning.
- Participants describe informal side meetings around NATO where they map the approach, and they stress the plan is not meant to replace the alliance.
- The aim is to keep deterrence against Russia intact, maintain day‑to‑day military operations, and preserve nuclear credibility even without U.S. forces.
- The initiative began last year out of worry about U.S. reliability, and some officials have nicknamed it “European NATO,” according to the Wall Street Journal.