Senior US and European defence officials signalled this week that the transatlantic alliance is entering a new phase — one where Europe takes on far greater responsibility for its own security. While both sides agree change is needed, their motivations for reshaping NATO may not be entirely the same.
Speaking at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for what he described as “NATO 3.0.” His message was clear: Europe must assume primary responsibility for conventional defence on the continent.
According to Colby, European allies should provide the bulk of the forces required to deter — and if necessary defeat — any conventional aggression in Europe. The United States, he indicated, intends to focus more of its attention on other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific.
Washington’s Push and Europe’s Response
The US has long pressed European allies to shoulder more of the financial and military burden within NATO. Successive administrations have argued that as global dynamics shift, Washington must rebalance its commitments.
This message has not always been warmly received in European capitals. But at this latest gathering, the tone suggested a growing acceptance that change is inevitable.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as pivotal, pointing to what he called a clear shift in mindset. He highlighted a surge in defence spending across Europe, with countries such as Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland already exceeding the new 3.5% of GDP defence spending target — well ahead of schedule.
That target was agreed after months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who previously questioned whether Washington would defend allies that failed to meet spending commitments. His recent threat of military action against Denmark over Greenland has further underscored European concerns about the unpredictability of the current US administration.
Making NATO “More European”
Several European leaders openly embraced the idea of rebalancing responsibilities. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said it was natural for Europe to gradually take on more of the burden, noting that the US has long carried the largest share of conventional deterrence on the continent.
He argued that strengthening NATO’s European pillar is essential to preserving the alliance’s transatlantic character. France echoed that sentiment, insisting Europe has already begun stepping up.
Romania called for increased defence production capacity within Europe, stressing that while cooperation with NATO and the US remains vital, the continent must be capable of protecting itself. The Netherlands urged transparency between Washington and European capitals to ensure any American drawdown is matched by a coordinated European build-up.
Signs of rebalancing are already visible. The US has announced it will not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, and European allies have assumed greater roles within NATO’s command structure. However, the US continues to lead key commands, including land and air operations.
Rutte emphasized that while Europe taking on more leadership roles is significant, it remains crucial that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — the official responsible for NATO’s military planning — stays American. In his view, that arrangement guarantees a strong and enduring US presence on the continent, reflecting the economic weight Washington still holds within the alliance.
As NATO navigates shifting global priorities and political uncertainty, both sides appear committed to adapting. Whether “NATO 3.0” ultimately strengthens unity or exposes deeper divisions may depend on how smoothly this new balance of power takes shape.
