Italy's defense minister Guido Crosetto has called for a new European defense alliance to safeguard the continent amid growing threats from Russia and rising US reluctance to guarantee European security. The proposal would unite the EU's 27 members with 13 other European nations including Britain, Norway, Turkey, and Ukraine in a continental defense framework.

The initiative reflects Europe's more proactive approach to defense following years of underinvestment in militaries and serious concerns about President Trump's efforts to reduce America's military footprint. Italy has already joined forces with France, Germany, Poland and Britain to form a smaller military partnership, with Crosetto emphasizing the new alliance should be "based on voluntary participation."

While not proposing an alternative to NATO, Crosetto aims to strengthen its European pillar. The defense minister also suggests NATO expand beyond Europe and North America to include nations like Australia, Brazil, India, Japan and South Korea. The proposal highlights tensions between European nations and the US over defense responsibilities and spending priorities.