The WSJ reported that Europe is planning a backup plan in case the United States withdraws from NATO.

European countries have begun to work out in detail a backup scenario for the protection of the continent without the participation of the United States. This was reported on April 15 by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), citing sources.

According to the newspaper, the key factor was Germany's switch to the side of supporters of defense independence.

"The backup plan, designed to ensure that Europe can defend itself independently with the help of existing NATO military structures in the event that the United States leaves [the alliance], is gaining momentum after it was supported by Germany," the article says.

The authors of the initiative emphasize that the project is not aimed at direct competition with the North Atlantic Alliance. His main task is to insure Europe in case of withdrawal of the American contingent or Washington's refusal to come to the aid of the allies. The development of the plan has accelerated amid recent disagreements, including over the refusal of European capitals to support the US operation against Iran.

WSJ sources point to a serious change in rhetoric in Berlin. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who previously advocated maintaining the role of the United States as the main guarantor of security, now expresses doubts about the reliability of the partner. This position is shared by the United Kingdom, France, Poland, the Nordic countries and Canada, forming a so-called "coalition of the willing" within NATO. The transition to practical steps began precisely after the adjustment of the German exchange rate.

"It was only after Berlin's change of position that the creation of a backup plan turned into solving practical military issues, such as NATO air and missile defense management, routes for the transfer of reinforcements to Poland and the Baltic states, logistics networks, and conducting major military exercises if the US military leaders withdraw. These are still the main problems," writes The Wall Street Journal.

In addition, supporters of the plan insist on the introduction of military conscription and the accelerated development of the military-industrial complex (MIC) in areas where Europe traditionally lags behind the United States: in space exploration, aerial refueling and anti-submarine warfare.

Laissez-faire policy: is the West ready to participate in the war in the Middle East

NATO countries can support the United States in weakening the Iranian regime

On April 1, US President Donald Trump announced plans for the United States to withdraw from NATO due to its refusal to help in the conflict with Iran. According to him, the North Atlantic Alliance has never influenced him. Trump called the participants "paper tigers."

Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth announced on March 31 that Trump would decide the future of NATO after the end of the conflict in Iran. He noted that the United States faces obstacles and hesitations, even when they send requests to NATO members for the deployment of bases and the possibility of overflight.

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