Merz warns Europe of potential NATO protection loss under Trump

European leaders are increasingly anxious about their reliance on the U.S. for security, particularly regarding NATO's mutual defense commitment under a potential second Trump administration. Friedrich Merz, a leading candidate for Germany's chancellorship, emphasized the need for Europe to prepare to defend itself independently, citing concerns that Trump may not uphold NATO's Article 5. He suggested discussions on nuclear sharing with France and the UK to enhance Europe's security. Observers note that the upcoming German elections could lead to a more assertive European role amidst fears of a weakened transatlantic alliance. Additionally, Guy Verhofstadt, a Belgian MEP, labeled Trump as NATO's greatest threat, accusing him of undermining the alliance through his rhetoric and alignment with Putin. Overall, the political landscape in Europe is shifting, with rising right-wing movements potentially reshaping future policies.