European leaders are developing plans to phase the United States out of its main role in NATO as concern rises about the country’s commitment to the alliance. According to the Financial Times, plans could be presented to Donald Trump, which demonstrates a five or ten-year process that will see Europe take the lead for the continent’s security.

The discussions are an attempt by European leaders to avoid a complete US withdrawal, something the US president has threatened and tacitly implied for years. It would see nations commit to various defence measures, including defence spending levels and capability development. The UK, France, Germany and Nordic countries are involved in the discussions, which are described as “informal but structured.”

France, Germany and the UK have all committed to increasing the amount they spend on defence after criticism from Trump of NATO allies not contributing as large a portion of GDP as he believes they should.

The US is undeniably the most vital part of the defensive alliance that has protected Europe for 80 years.

It currently spends more on defence than all other nations combined and has 80,000 troops stationed in Germany, more than the British Army has in total.

Currently, European nations are reliant on Washington for a vast amount of kit and capabilities, some of which the United States are in a unique position to provide.

Several European nations’ nuclear arsenals are made up of American missiles, making them reliant on Washington for design, manufacturing and maintenance.

The plans would see European nations take the lead in all areas other than nuclear, allowing the US to focus on other areas of the geo-political landscape.

One official told the FT: “Increasing spending is the only that we have: burden sharing and shifting the dial away from US reliance.

“We’re starting those talks but it is such a big task that many are overwhelmed by the scale of it.”

The erratic nature of the Trump administration, which has seen NATO allies threatened with military annexation and public Oval Office fallouts, has led some to question the fruitfulness of presenting a long-term transition plan.

One official said: “You need a deal with the Americans and it is unclear if they will be willing to do it. Can you even trust them to hold to it?”

US defence officials have reiterated their commitment to NATO and to Article 5’s collective defence principles.

However, a summit of the so-called “coalition of the willing” held by Keir Starmer last weekend did not include a representative from the states.