Overview

• The Trump administration is actively reducing US commitments to NATO, including military funding and intelligence sharing, while advancing pro-Russian policies.
• European leaders are being urged to accept US withdrawal as a reality and develop a European-led NATO command structure to fill critical capability gaps.
• Former NATO officials warn that failing to act could lead to Russia dominating Eastern Europe and rolling NATO back to its pre-1997 boundaries.
• Proposals include creating a synchronized European defense plan addressing gaps in command, surveillance, and mobility to deter Russian aggression and support Ukraine.
• The upcoming June NATO summit is seen as a pivotal moment for Europe to present a concrete strategy for autonomous defense without relying on US leadership.