Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the organisation's secretary-general from 2009 to 2014, said a new security architecture was needed after Donald Trump threatened to withdraw from Nato.
Mr Rasmussen has suggested expanding the Coalition of the Willing - an alliance of 35 countries set up to defend Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire - so it can take over Europe's conventional defence role.
He identified France and Britain as the leading members of an expanded alliance, citing their nuclear capabilities as a key factor.
At present, the coalition is headquartered in Paris, with plans to relocate to London after its first 12 months of operation.
Mr Rusmussen's comments come following President Trump's expression of 'doubts' about his commitment to Nato and Article 5 - the mutual defence clause stating that an attack on one member is an attack on all - the European pillar of Nato must be strengthened. |