Albright Stage | Europe's New Security Reality

For decades, European security was built on an assumption that American engagement in Europe was permanent, predictable, and unquestionable. That assumption no longer holds. As Washington shifts strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific and domestic political divisions reshape U.S. foreign policy, Europe faces a new reality: the transatlantic alliance may endure, but with limits that Europeans can no longer ignore. What does a Europe with less American engagement actually look like in practice? From defence spending and military readiness to industrial capacity, energy security, and political leadership, European allies are increasingly being forced to prepare for a future in which U.S. support may be more selective, conditional, or strategically constrained. As Europe seeks to take on greater responsibility without weakening NATO itself, the debate is no longer simply about burden-sharing, but about whether the alliance can adapt to a more balanced and uncertain transatlantic relationship. Speakers: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Founder, Rasmussen Global and Former Prime Minister of Denmark and 12th Secretary General, NATO Mark Esper, Former Secretary of Defense of the United States of America