Is there only one way to leave the Pact of Steel to trigger the Third European War?

I chose to stay in the Pact of Steel immediately after winning the Second European War in order to continue building up my forces and complete my focuses. Alternatively, for next time, is there any way to delay the event to leave the Pact of Steel? Neonasty Germany are way too strong for me to take on immediately after fighting the Soviets, or do I just need to git gud?