European capitals are gripped by concerns that the US's preparations to reduce its role in the continent's security could accelerate precisely that outcome. According to Financial Times, this overt preparation could turn into a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'.
The report also included a comment from an unnamed French official, who said, 'Europe is not in the best shape.'
U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Europe for insufficient contributions to NATO's defense capacity and has demanded that all member states increase defense spending to 5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).