Britain and France are being called upon to spearhead a “European NATO,” focusing on self-reliant defense for the continent, independent of U.S. support, as proposed by a former NATO leader.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who served as NATO’s secretary-general from 2009 to 2014, believes a revamped security framework is essential, particularly after Donald Trump’s threats to pull the U.S. out of the alliance.

Rasmussen has advocated for the expansion of the Coalition of the Willing, a 35-nation group initially formed to defend Ukraine in a ceasefire scenario, to assume responsibility for Europe’s broader conventional defense needs.

He highlighted the strategic importance of France and Britain leading this enlarged coalition, underscoring their nuclear capabilities as a core strength.

The coalition’s current base is in Paris, with plans in motion to shift its headquarters to London after its first year of operation.

Rasmussen’s remarks follow President Trump’s expressed “doubts” about his dedication to NATO and Article 5, the clause declaring an attack on one member as an attack on all, signaling a need to bolster NATO’s European arm.

The coalition, including Kyiv, is currently preparing a post-war deployment intended to deter further Russian aggression against Ukraine.

However, Mr Rasmussen argued that its scope should extend beyond Ukraine to address security across the wider continent. In his proposal, Ukraine would continue to be part of this expanded alliance.

Britain and France should lead a new ‘European Nato’ coalition to take responsibility for Europe’s defence, Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said

He described Ukraine as an ‘asset’ within the coalition but said whatever the outcome of possible peace negotiations, the country will still need a ‘bulwark’ against Russian aggression.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he said: ‘That’s why I think we should include Ukraine in a new European security architecture, and by that, we can strengthen Nato.’

Mr Rasmussen said the Coalition of the Willing is now necessary as he does not ‘want to include hesitant countries’ that belong to other alliances, like the European Union (EU).

Several European Union member states, including Austria and Ireland, maintain military neutrality, while others are seen as more sympathetic to Moscow.

Nations such as Britain, Norway and Turkey are also not member of the alliance, however, are key Nato allies.

Mr Rasmussen’s comments come amid renewed debate over Europe’s future security architecture, following President Trump’s criticism of European Nato allies for declining to support his war in Iran.

Mr Trump previously described the coalition as a ‘paper tiger’ and said withdrawing from it was ‘beyond reconsideration’.

This raised doubts over whether the US president would authorise military support for European allies if Article 5 were invoked.

Mr Rasmussen has suggested expanding the Coalition of the Willing following President Trump’s expression of ‘doubts’ about his commitment to Nato and Article 5. President Trump (right) pictured with NATO’s Secretary-General Mark Rutte (left)

Mr Rasmussen (pictured) also argued Europe should not be reluctant to support Mr Trump’s war in Iran, suggesting it could offer to help secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a reduction in US trade tariffs

EU member states have since been considering the strength and practicality of the bloc’s mutual defence clause, Article 42.7, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty.

Yet Mr Rasmussen described the idea as ‘weaker’ than Article 5.

He said: ‘The European Union, as such, does not have the military capabilities needed to actually implement 42.7.’

Mr Rasmussen – who previously served as Denmark’s prime minister – dismissed proposals by Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s defence commissioner, for a European security council as ‘fluffy’.

He said the ‘hard defence of Europe’ requires a group of nations in the continent that are ‘capable and willing’ to do what is needed.

Mr Rasmussen also argued that Europe should not be reluctant to support Mr Trump’s war in Iran, suggesting it could offer to help secure the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a reduction in US trade tariffs.

He suggested a ‘transactional’ approach as appropriate as that is how ‘allies work together’.

He proposed Europe’s approach to Mr Trump should be to say: ‘We’re in this together. We are willing to help you, provided that you will stay engaged in Europe, including supporting Ukraine, and we don’t understand why you are imposing tariffs on your allies.’ 

Mr Rasmussen said the ‘hard defence of Europe’ requires a group of nations in the continent that are ‘capable and willing’ to do what is needed

However, Mr Rasmussen emphasised that new defensive coalitions would not replace Nato – but rather work alongside it with the US assuming a leadership role within the alliance.

He said that as the Coalition of the Willing might take responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe, an overarching ‘nuclear umbrella’ will still be provided by the US.

He added that in this event, the coalition will require the ‘Supreme Allied Commander’ in Europe who must be an American.