US and European defence ministers met in Brussels on Thursday with a shared understanding: NATO must adapt to survive. While both sides agreed on the need for change, the reasons behind it differ. Washington is looking to focus more on other global theatres, particularly the Indo-Pacific, while European allies are wary of relying too heavily on an unpredictable US administration.
US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for what he described as “NATO 3.0,” in which European allies take primary responsibility for defending the continent. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter, and if necessary, defeat conventional aggression in Europe,” Colby said.
A Shift in European Commitment
For years, the US has pushed for greater European burden-sharing. While Europe has sometimes appeared hesitant, this week’s meeting showed a willingness to step up. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called it a pivotal gathering, highlighting a “real shift in mindset” and a stronger European defence pillar within the alliance.
Several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, are already exceeding the newly-agreed target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence, achieving it a decade ahead of schedule. This follows repeated US pressure, including former President Trump’s warnings that Washington could reconsider its commitment to NATO allies who fail to meet spending targets.
Strengthening Europe While Preserving the Transatlantic Bond
European leaders emphasized the need to assume more responsibility gradually. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said it was natural for Europe to take on a greater share of conventional defence duties, while French and Romanian officials stressed that Europe must ultimately be able to defend itself, even while coordinating with NATO and the US.
The Netherlands called for a “no-surprise policy” to ensure any US reduction in forces is matched by European reinforcement. Some rebalancing is already underway: the US recently announced it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania. European allies are also taking on more leadership roles in NATO’s command structure, although the US continues to lead Allied Land, Air, and Maritime Commands.
Rutte stressed that while Europe can lead more in operations, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — responsible for NATO’s military planning — should remain American. This ensures a strong US presence in Europe while reflecting a practical division of labour, with Europe taking on more responsibility and the US maintaining strategic leadership.
Preparing for a New NATO Era
The emerging model signals a shift toward a more self-reliant Europe within NATO, without weakening the transatlantic alliance. By balancing increased European leadership with a sustained US military footprint, NATO aims to adapt to modern security challenges while maintaining the unity that has underpinned the alliance for decades.
