European Nations Plan NATO Defense Boost to Address Trump’s Concerns
As U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gets ready to take office, European nations are working to address his warnings about withdrawing support for NATO if Europe doesn’t increase defense spending. A group of over 60 senior defense leaders has proposed a new NATO deal for the United States called the Atlantic Charter 2025.
The charter, presented to NATO officials in Brussels and now circulating informally to European governments and the incoming Trump team, outlines ways for European nations to meet the incoming administration’s defense expectations. It aims to accelerate Europe’s defense capabilities, reducing NATO’s reliance on the U.S. military.
In exchange for European defense enhancements, the U.S. would maintain troop levels in Europe. With this European buildup, U.S. reserve forces could potentially focus more on Asia if needed. The charter addresses challenges from Russia, China, and the restructuring of defense burdens.
The proposed charter details Europe’s minimum defense requirements and suggests increasing defense spending above 3% of GDP by 2035. It highlights the need for specific capabilities such as shield corps in Poland and Romania, reserve war-fighting corps, enablers like strategic airlift, and new command structures.
To strengthen NATO’s nuclear deterrence, the charter recommends broader nuclear-sharing arrangements and a focus on multidomain operations. A defense, security, and resilience bank could provide financing for defense plans in Europe, although economic challenges remain.
Trans-Atlantic negotiations following Trump’s inauguration could lead to implementing the Atlantic Charter 2025 at the upcoming NATO Summit in June. European leaders may commit to enhancing defense capabilities, increasing defense spending, and establishing a new financing mechanism to support their efforts.