Europe Accelerates Defense Plans as U.S. Signals Strategic Shift

Amid reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, European leaders push for military self-reliance and increased defense spending.

Poland plans to expand its military to 500,000 troops and is exploring nuclear options, reflecting growing concerns over Russian aggression and diminished U.S. support.
The European Union has endorsed an €800 billion defense spending plan, with a White Paper on Defense set to outline further financing and industrial priorities later this month.
France is seeking to extend its nuclear umbrella across Europe, with Germany and Poland considering the proposal as part of broader military self-sufficiency efforts.
The Trump administration has applied pressure on European allies by threatening tariffs, halting Ukraine aid, and signaling a potential retrenchment from NATO commitments.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized the urgency of bolstering EU defenses, with plans for loans and exemptions to facilitate military investment.