European countries are no longer confident that the United States would provide military assistance to its NATO allies in the event of a serious threat, according to Foreign Affairs observers.
That uncertainty has pushed Europe to increase defense spending, develop its own military-industrial base and gradually reduce dependence on American weapons. The authors cite polling data showing that 77% of European Union residents see the conflict in Ukraine as a threat to Europe’s security. At the same time, many doubt that Washington would come to their aid in the event of war.
The article also notes growing public support across Europe for larger military budgets, expanded domestic arms production and the purchase of equipment from European rather than American manufacturers. In some EU countries, interest is also rising in the return of mandatory military service.
Foreign Affairs describes Germany as one of the main drivers of Europe’s rearmament. German authorities intend to nearly triple defense spending compared with 2022 levels, while European defense companies are already expanding the production of drones, armored vehicles, tanks and other weapons.
The authors argue that even a change of president in the White House would not restore the old model of relations between Europe and the United States. Washington is increasingly focused on confrontation with Beijing, which means European countries will have to build their own security system more independently.