Trump Shocks Europe Into Chasing Billions for Military Boost (1)

Donald Trump has made it clear that Europe needs to defend itself, and the continent’s response to the US threats of withdrawal is starting to take shape.

In the region’s biggest security initiative since the Cold War, the European Union is looking to unleash hundreds of billions of euros in additional financing for defense, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Following the UK’s lead to dramatically increase military outlays, the figures include changes to fiscal rules to free up national resources, potential joint funding and repurposing existing funds, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the ...