Following the announced partial withdrawal of US troops, former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called for the establishment of a new defense alliance among European states. Speaking to the “Welt”, Rasmussen stated that what the world is currently witnessing is the decline of NATO, arguing that Europe must draw consequences from this situation and take on the responsibility of defending the continent on its own terms.
He proposed a formalized “Coalition of the Willing” suggesting a group of European nations that are both ready and capable of independently organizing continental defense. Rasmussen expressed the view that neither the EU nor NATO is currently suited to build a strong European pillar, stressing that the continent needs new defense plans and renewed military capabilities.
To join this proposed defense alliance, Rasmussen outlined several mandatory conditions. States must meet the NATO target of five percent and commit to defending other participating countries if they come under attack. Furthermore, he demanded mechanisms to prevent individual nations from blocking necessary military operations. He also insisted that the coalition must have the ability to exclude members who fail to meet these requirements.
In this proposed new security architecture, Ukraine must be included as a permanent member. He highlighted how quickly the country is developing new weapons and ammunition, asserting that Europe requires Ukraine as a vital bulwark against Russia.