US and European defence ministers signaled on Thursday that NATO must evolve to meet modern security challenges, with a stronger European role seen as essential. While both sides agree more responsibility should shift to Europe, the reasons behind the push differ: Washington wants to refocus on other regions, while Europeans are wary of the unpredictability of the US administration.
US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for what he described as “NATO 3.0,” urging allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defence in Europe. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter, and if necessary, defeat conventional aggression,” Colby said. The US has long advocated for more burden-sharing, citing its strategic pivot toward the Indo-Pacific.
Europe Steps Up
Despite earlier hesitation, European ministers appeared ready to embrace greater responsibility. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the Brussels meeting “pivotal,” highlighting a “shift in mindset” and a stronger European pillar within the alliance. Several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, have already exceeded the newly-agreed 3.5% of GDP defence spending target — a decade ahead of schedule.
The push comes in the wake of tensions sparked by former US President Donald Trump, who questioned US commitment to NATO allies and even threatened military action against Denmark over Greenland. In response, NATO has increased Arctic vigilance while diplomatic talks continue.
Building a More Independent European Defence
European leaders stressed the need for gradual but steady increases in their defence roles. Germany’s Boris Pistorius said the US has historically carried the bulk of Europe’s conventional defence but Europeans must now step up. France and Romania echoed the call, urging increased European defence production and capabilities while maintaining collaboration with NATO and the US.
The Netherlands highlighted the importance of transparency, advocating a “no-surprise policy” to coordinate any US pullback with European efforts. Some rebalancing is already underway: the US announced it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania and European allies are taking on more leadership within NATO command structures.
Rutte stressed the importance of keeping the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — the officer responsible for NATO’s military planning — an American, ensuring a continued strong US presence while Europe assumes a larger operational role. The emerging model aims to balance European initiative with enduring transatlantic cooperation, creating a NATO ready for the challenges of the 21st century.
Transatlantic Alliance in Transition
With these shifts, NATO is entering a new phase where Europe carries more of the defence burden, the US maintains strategic leadership, and both sides coordinate closely to meet evolving threats. The alliance’s future, it seems, will depend on a combination of shared responsibility, mutual trust, and clear communication across the Atlantic.
