European leaders are racing to future-proof NATO's defense capabilities as concerns grow over a potential US withdrawal under President Donald Trump. With Germany now backing the initiative, plans to expand Europe's operational control within the alliance are moving at warp speed 🚀.
Dubbed 'European NATO' by insiders, the strategy focuses on placing more EU officials in key command roles and developing complementary military assets to reduce reliance on US infrastructure. The Wall Street Journal reports this shift marks a historic pivot for Berlin, which previously opposed unilateral moves within the transatlantic pact.
🔑 Why it matters: The 2026 push comes as Trump reiterates campaign promises to reconsider America's NATO commitments. 'This isn't about replacing the US, but ensuring continuity,' one Brussels official told reporters via encrypted chat 📱.
