European Union parliamentarians and top security officials have been discussing behind closed doors the possibility of opening an alternative to NATO as former US president Donald Trump threatens to cut defence spending and cease taking preemptive steps that would deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from expanding the Ukraine war to the west, towards the rest of Europe.
“It is clear to everyone: Be it Trump or Biden, the countries in the EU must come together and step up their security game. That is the homework,” Hannah Neumann, a German member of the European Parliament, was quoted as saying by US-based newspaper The Washington Post.
The newspaper’s report pointed out that there was a feeling of unease among top European officials at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) as Trump-backer Republican senator from Ohio JD Vance told during an event at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof (where the MSC has been traditionally held) that the Trump administration could initiate discussions with the Russian government and pull out of Europe.
“The problem with Europe is that it does not provide enough of a deterrent on its own. I think the American security blanket has allowed European security to atrophy,” Vance told the audience at the event.
He even said Russian President Putin does not threaten European security.
“I do not think that Vladimir Putin is an existential threat to Europe. And to the extent that he is, (it shows that) Europe has to take a more aggressive role in its own security. The fact that he is a bad guy does not mean we can’t engage in basic diplomacy and prioritise America’s interests,” Vance was quoted as saying by The Washington Post.
But their worries were fuelled by a comment that Trump made during an electoral campaign rally earlier this month. Trump told his supporters that he will encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want” to NATO members that don’t spend enough on defence.
Since those comments were made, European officials discussed behind closed doors the possibility of building a continent-wide complement to NATO. It would work in collaboration with US security assurances but in case US guarantees are pulled, it will serve as a credible alternative.
“When the former and possibly future leader of the free world says that he would sit back and see how Russia would attack NATO allies, we have to rethink what US commitment towards Europe and Ukraine could look like. We do have to hope for the best but must prepare for the worst,” a top EU security official was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
The official also said that this means dropping support for Ukraine and letting Putin destabilise the region.
At this point of time, these discussions are stuck in old disagreements. France and Germany disagree on who would bear the economic burden. Eastern European nations doubt Western Europe’s commitment against Russian threats. There’s uncertainty about establishing a continental nuclear shield as well and also what is more concerning is that such a shield would still pale in comparison to Russia’s arsenal in a nuclear conflict.
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