Europe is beginning to build its own defense architecture - not against NATO, but in case NATO isn't enough. Or more precisely: in case America decides European security isn't its priority.

The key shift came from Berlin. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country had for decades resisted French pressure for greater European defense autonomy, reversed course. The reason? Doubts about American reliability, particularly regarding commitments to Ukraine.

Who's in?

The United Kingdom, France, Poland, the Nordic nations, and Canada. On the table: command structures for air defense, reinforcement corridors toward Poland and the Baltics, and logistics networks. Finland's president emphasized that "Europe must assume greater responsibility," while NATO's Secretary General suggested the alliance will become "more European-led."

But the nuclear question remains

NATO's entire structure centers on American leadership. Only Washington provides continent-wide nuclear deterrence. France and Britain must significantly expand their nuclear and intelligence capabilities. Germany and Britain recently announced joint development of stealth cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons.

Some countries are considering reintroducing military conscription. Europe is arming up - not because it wants to, but because it's starting to realize that the step "America will protect us" may not be guaranteed. For the Balkans, where security guarantees have always been fluid, this is nothing new - but now those who thought they were immune are living it too.