Former US President Donald Trump in a campaign rally in South Carolina, had told the crowd that, “NATO was busted until I came along, I said, ‘Everybody’s gonna pay.’ They said, ‘Well, if we don’t pay, are you still going to protect us?’ I said, ‘Absolutely not.’ They couldn’t believe the answer andhe would ‘Encourage’ the Russians…”

His comments sent a chill across Europe, alarming NATO’s European members scared about the prospect of a second Donald Trump term as a President. Many allies fear a potential second presidency might feature an unhinged and much bolder Trump than during his first tenure.

Trump’s remarks have come at a very critical time for the alliance, with some allies openly warning about a potential escalation of Russia’s war in Ukraine, while a new US aid package is stalled, and Ukraine is struggling to for weapons and ammunition supplies. Trump’s comments have already inflicted damage to the alliance. There is a major political debate in the US about continued aid, and it seems like in some ways unprecedentedly, there is a lot of disagreement from Republicans. This factor will hold sway if Trump returns about whether the US should continue to fund it.

European Allies recognize the need for their own defense. Regardless of the next US president, efforts are underway to enhance European military capabilities and develop a more unified strategic approach to ensure EU collective defense. The importance of burden sharing, and increased defense investment is emphasized to maintain a strong role against in view of the Ukraine’s invasion by Russia.

EU countries........

© Eurasia Review