NATO 3.0: Europe takes on greater defense role
World
Alliance defense ministers discussed a more “European” NATO as U.S. strategic priorities shift.
At a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, allies discussed moving toward a more European model of the alliance. U.S. representatives said the concept, informally called “NATO 3.0,” would require European countries to assume primary responsibility for defending the continent.
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Elbridge Colby said European allies must increase their military capabilities and defense spending to ensure deterrence and protection in the region.
According to him, Washington plans to focus more on the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific, which requires a redistribution of resources. Calls for greater burden-sharing, however, are not new.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as one of the most important he had attended and pointed to a “real shift in thinking” among allies. He noted a significant rise in defense spending in 2025, with several countries already exceeding the agreed target of allocating 3.5% of GDP to defense.
The discussions come amid controversial statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about NATO’s collective defense commitments. He previously suggested Washington might not assist an ally that fails to meet defense spending requirements.
European officials say this is a signal to strengthen their own defense capabilities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said it is time for Europeans to assume more responsibility for the continent’s security.
Some rebalancing has already begun. The United States announced it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, while European allies have taken on more leadership roles in NATO’s command structure.
However, according to Rutte, the key post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe should remain in American hands to ensure a strong U.S. military presence on the continent.
U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Elbridge Colby said European allies must increase their military capabilities and defense spending to ensure deterrence and protection in the region.
According to him, Washington plans to focus more on the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific, which requires a redistribution of resources. Calls for greater burden-sharing, however, are not new.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as one of the most important he had attended and pointed to a “real shift in thinking” among allies. He noted a significant rise in defense spending in 2025, with several countries already exceeding the agreed target of allocating 3.5% of GDP to defense.
The discussions come amid controversial statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about NATO’s collective defense commitments. He previously suggested Washington might not assist an ally that fails to meet defense spending requirements.
European officials say this is a signal to strengthen their own defense capabilities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said it is time for Europeans to assume more responsibility for the continent’s security.
Some rebalancing has already begun. The United States announced it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, while European allies have taken on more leadership roles in NATO’s command structure.
However, according to Rutte, the key post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe should remain in American hands to ensure a strong U.S. military presence on the continent.
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