NATO's future

Sources: Nordic countries and Europe's major powers are working on plans for more NATO responsibility

Several European countries are drawing up plans for Europe to take over the main responsibility for NATO's defense over the next five to ten years, according to Financial Times sources.

According to the information, a plan is being discussed to be presented to the Trump administration, and aims to avoid chaos in the event that the United States leaves the defense alliance.

Britain, France, Germany and the Nordic countries are specifically mentioned. The goal is to have a solution where Europe takes over large parts of the United States' responsibility presented before the annual NATO summit in June.

So far, these are described as informal discussions.

EU summit: We have five years to get ready for war

Europe must build a credible military deterrent within five years to face an aggressive Russia and a possible loss of protection from the United States, says European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

“If Europe wants to avoid war, Europe must prepare for war,” she said in a speech to Danish cadets in Copenhagen, according to AFP.

On Wednesday, the European Commission will release a report with proposals to help Europe prepare.

“By 2030, Europe must have a strong European defense capability,” von der Leyen said.