According to journalists at Politico, NATO member states have no emergency plan for the scenario in which the United States leaves the alliance.

The authors, citing three diplomats from within the bloc, report that the American side plays a key role in NATO’s functioning. At the same time, allies, they say, do not even allow themselves to seriously consider Washington’s withdrawal, arguing that such a move would contradict the very purpose of NATO.

Commentators told the outlet that there are no contingency plans inside the alliance for a NATO «left without the United States». Signals coming from Washington are interpreted not as a direct prelude to a US exit, but as a strong wake-up call for Europe.

In an interview with Politico, former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu noted that in some areas European countries provide up to 60% of the alliance’s logistical base. However, in key domains such as intelligence, heavy airlift and long-range strikes, it is the United States that plays the central role. In her view, it would be extremely difficult for European allies to close this gap, especially over the next two years.

Journalists also report that the discussion in Europe has already shifted: the issue is no longer whether Europe will assume primary responsibility for its own defense and security, but when exactly that will happen.

They recall that on 5 December the White House presented an updated US national security strategy, which explicitly calls on Europe to take responsibility for its own defense. The document also highlights what Washington sees as problems of excessive regulation, mass migration and restrictions on freedom of speech in the European Union.