Chaotic Progress: European NATO’s Quest for Stronger Defense (warontherocks.com)

• Rutte blocks formal planning for a European pillar, fearing US withdrawal.
• NATO cannot prepare for a war scenario without US involvement.
• Bergmann argues NATO's relevance to European security is undermined.

"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is blocking the creation of a European defense pillar, fearing it would prompt the US to leave Europe, according to analyst Max Bergmann. Rutte told the European Parliament that Europe cannot defend itself without the US, drawing pushback from European leaders. Informal discussions occur but no transition plan exists. Bergmann argues NATO's utility is questioned because it cannot plan for a war without US involvement, the most likely threat scenario."