US President-elect Donald Trump's comment that NATO has become obsolete has been met with surprise and defiance by the European Union member-states.

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In an interview with a British publication, Trump had accused NATO of failing to deal with terrorism while also saying that more countries could follow England's example and leave the 28-nation European Union.

Frank-Walter Steinmeir, Germany's foreign minister, said that Trump's criticism of NATO and his claim that allied members were not contributing their fair share had caused astonishment.

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said that the best response to Trump's criticism would be Europeans uniting.

In Berlin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Trump's positions have been long known but added her belief that Europeans are well aware that their problems are in their own hands.

"I'm personally going to wait until the American President takes office, and then we will naturally work with him on all levels," Merkel said.

Despite making similar comments in the past, a repetition of the same view came as a surprise, especially considering that he is a nominee for defense secretary, James Mattis stressed his support for the NATO alliance during his US congressional confirmation hearings last week.

In a sharp break from the Obama administration, which had urged the British people to vote to remain in the EU in the June referendum, Trump said that he was not concerned whether the European Union stays together or not.

Trump added that Britain's exit from the EU could end up being a great thing.

Boris Johnson, Britain's foreign secretary, said he was gladdened by the news that the United States wants to do a good trade deal with his country and wants to do it fast.

Tagsdonald trump, NATO, European Union, Europe