For decades, Europe has relied on the United States as the backbone of NATO , trusting that Washington would always be there to deter threats and, if necessary, defend the continent.
A report by the Kiel Institute and Bruegel highlights that Europe would need to increase its defense spending by an additional €250 billion annually, raising its military expenditure from 2% to 3.5-4% of GDP, to protect itself without US support. Germany alone would need to increase its budget from €80 billion to €140 billion. The report also outlines the need for Europe to expand its armed forces by 300,000 troops, create 50 new brigades, and produce 2,000 long-range drones annually. Challenges include the fragmentation of European military forces and the need for increased cooperation and joint procurement. The political backdrop involves concerns about the US's commitment under President Trump, who suggested raising defense spending targets to 5% and hinted at a potential US withdrawal from NATO if these targets aren't met.
