It is better to anticipate a possible U.S. withdrawal and build a European command for NATO now rather than wait for a crisis scenario. NATO needs a modernized North Atlantic Treaty that precisely structures its institutional architecture and places it under the solid leadership of the European Union.
The hypothesis of an American withdrawal
In 1958, Charles de Gaulle proposed an ambitious NATO reform, only to face a refusal from the United States and the United Kingdom. That diplomatic initiative at least had the merit of raising the issue of a more balanced power distribution within NATO. Decades later, with growing concerns about U.S. reliability, Europe once again has the chance to reshape its role in the Alliance.
Trump clearly announced: „If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them.“ A statement that undermines the United States‘ commitment to NATO and raises concerns about an American withdrawal. Trump’s unpredictability has already led to strained relations within the Alliance, and if the United States reduces its commitment, the 29 European NATO members must be ready to take full control of their collective defense.
A Historic Deal with Trump
Rather than passively waiting for Trump’s next move, European Union leaders, alongside key NATO allies such as the United Kingdom and Canada, could turn this challenge into an opportunity and strike a historic deal with Trump by invoking Article 12 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
This agreement would establish that NATO would be placed directly under the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) in exchange for increased defense budgets from EU member states and an irreversible reduction in U.S. funding. The U.S. would withdraw from a leadership role but could maintain specific cooperative agreements within NATO.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to lead NATO
A transition to European-led governance within NATO would help stabilize transatlantic defense cooperation while allowing the U.S. to gradually adjust its commitments. This shift would also make the Alliance more aligned with European strategic interests, prioritizing regional security threats over external pressures from Washington.
The position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) would no longer be reserved for an American general but would be permanently transferred to European military leadership. As for the position of NATO Secretary General, already held by a European political leader, it would merge with the role of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
This evolution would follow the precedent set by Javier Solana, who served as NATO Secretary General (1995-1999) before becoming EU High Representative (1999-2009). The EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, would become NATO’s political leader in Europe, overseeing major strategic decisions and exercising authority over the 29 European armies within NATO.
An inclusive NATO Governance Model
Although NATO has expanded to 32 members, no Secretary General has come from a country that joined after 1999, and no woman has ever held the position. While the NATO Secretary General is appointed behind closed doors, the High Representative of the Union, who implements the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), is nominated by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament. This process ensures greater democratic legitimacy, which could strengthen NATO’s political leadership if integrated effectively.
Kaja Kallas, who would lead NATO under this new governance, would continue to chair the EU Foreign Affairs Council, ensuring operative synchronization. Placing NATO under the authority of Kaja Kallas would allow for the gradual integration of all European democracies into both the European Union and NATO.
The United Kingdom would need to define its position: either by strengthening its NATO role as an independent actor or by re-establishing structured defense cooperation with the EU. Turkey would also face a critical choice: fully commit to European integration or maintain a unique status within the Alliance with negotiated guarantees. Switzerland, as a neutral country, will need to adapt its cooperation with NATO and the EU to remain a key player in European security.
Reinventing NATO Under European Union Leadership
Article 12 of the North Atlantic Treaty requires unanimous agreement from all member states, making negotiations complex but not impossible. To avoid opposition, it will be necessary to convince non-EU NATO members in particular by offering them a new, highly inclusive governance model that allows them to exercise greater responsibilities and maintain the resilience of their influence. The European Union could propose a significant financial commitment commensurate with the security challenges at stake.
If NATO remains trapped in uncertainty, it risks losing its effectiveness as a security alliance. Rather than reacting to crises, Europe must seize this opportunity to establish a more sustainable transatlantic partnership. NATO was originally created to secure Europe. Today, its leadership must reflect the continent’s ability to defend itself.
