The European Union has been ramping up its defense spending, but creating a fully autonomous military force would require an estimated €250 billion annually—far beyond current allocations.

Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are already increasing defense budgets, with Berlin pledging over $1 trillion in military investment over the next decade. However, beyond funding, Europe faces a manpower challenge. The continent currently hosts 100,000 U.S. troops, with an additional 300,000 NATO forces designated for rapid deployment. Replacing this force with purely European troops would be a logistical and strategic challenge, particularly as most European nations rely on professional, volunteer armies rather than conscription.

Military analysts warn that without NATO, Europe would struggle to respond to crises like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While discussions on an independent EU defense force have gained traction—especially in France—creating a credible deterrent without U.S. support remains an uphill battle.