But these challenges, though very real, must not lead to inaction. With new leaders in Washington, Brussels and many European capitals, now is the time to review the terms of the transatlantic bargain by building a true and strong European pillar. And together with former officials from Europe, the U.S. and NATO, we have proposed a major agenda for building such a pillar and strengthening transatlantic security.
Among the key steps Europe should take are: First, increasing defense spending closer to the Cold War average (above 3 percent), so that it can enable the fielding of a large, ready, advanced and capable force, as well as make up for two decades of underinvestment. Next, European militaries need to enhance the readiness of their combat forces, able to deploy more than 300,000 troops in 30 days and another 400,000 within six months.
Europe then needs to acquire strategic enablers — especially aerial refueling, heavy lift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets, electronic warfare, airborne surveillance, maritime patrolling, space-based capabilities, suppression of enemy air defense and air/missile defenses. It also needs to build up a six-month inventory of ammunition, fuel and spare parts at high consumption rates.
Finally, Europe needs to develop a strategy to address the challenges of its fragmented arms industry, so that it can ensure capabilities are delivered in a timely manner and available resources are spent wisely.
For its part, the U.S. should sustain transatlantic and European security as a core element of its national security policy by maintaining a military presence in Europe, including an operationally significant range of land, air, and naval capabilities. Trump should also reaffirm the unconditional U.S. commitment to collective defense under the NATO treaty, and that should include the nuclear deterrent.
Additionally, Washington should review the U.S. approach to armament cooperation — such as export controls and access to the U.S. domestic market — in order to facilitate collaboration with European allies and strengthen European capabilities as part of a sustainable transatlantic alliance.
To turn a page on the burden-sharing debate, we need a radically new and sustainable transatlantic bargain. A Europe that takes much more responsibility for its own security and for global security would strengthen the argument that NATO is actually a good deal for the U.S. And if it fails to convince Washington of that reality, then it will at least possess better means to provide for its own defense.