Senior defence officials from the United States and Europe gathered in Brussels this week with a clear message: the future of NATO will require Europe to shoulder more of the burden. While both sides appear to agree on that direction, their motivations are not entirely the same.
Washington has long argued that European allies must take greater responsibility for defending the continent, especially as the US looks to focus more attention on the Indo-Pacific and other strategic priorities. European leaders, meanwhile, are increasingly aware that relying too heavily on an unpredictable US administration carries its own risks.
Washington’s Push for a “NATO 3.0”
US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby described the moment as a turning point, calling for what he dubbed “NATO 3.0.” In his view, this next phase of the alliance would see European members take primary responsibility for conventional defence on the continent.
Colby said Europe should provide the majority of forces needed to deter or defeat aggression in the region. His remarks echoed years of American pressure on allies to increase defence spending and reduce dependence on US military power.
Those calls intensified last summer when President Donald Trump publicly questioned America’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence clause, suggesting support could depend on whether allies met spending targets. In response, NATO members agreed to raise the benchmark to 3.5% of GDP on defence — a goal several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, are now set to reach well ahead of schedule.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the latest meeting as one of the most significant he has attended, pointing to what he called a clear shift in mindset and a stronger European pillar within the alliance.
Europe Steps Forward — Cautiously
European leaders largely embraced the idea of taking on more responsibility, framing it as both natural and necessary.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said the US had long carried the bulk of the burden for Europe’s conventional defence, but that the time had come for Europeans to gradually assume a greater role. He argued that strengthening Europe within NATO is essential to preserving the alliance’s transatlantic character.
France’s defence minister echoed that sentiment, saying Europe has already begun reinforcing its role inside NATO. Romania’s defence chief stressed the need to expand European defence production, working alongside the US but ensuring Europe can ultimately protect itself.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans called for transparency and coordination, urging a “no-surprise policy” so that any American military drawdown is matched by a European build-up. He acknowledged that the US has broader global priorities but said clear communication would allow the alliance to adapt smoothly.
Rebalancing in Practice
The shift is already visible. The US recently confirmed it will not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, signalling the start of a gradual reduction in its footprint in parts of Eastern Europe.
At the same time, European allies have assumed more leadership positions within NATO’s command structure. However, the United States continues to lead key commands, including Allied Land and Air Command, and has taken control of Allied Maritime Command.
Rutte emphasized that while Europe taking on greater operational responsibility is significant, it remains crucial that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — the officer responsible for drafting NATO’s military plans — stays American. He argued this ensures a strong US military presence in Europe and reflects the economic reality that the United States accounts for more than half of NATO’s total economic power.
Recent tensions have underscored the delicate balance within the alliance. Just weeks ago, President Trump threatened military action against Denmark over Greenland, prompting NATO to increase its vigilance in the Arctic as diplomatic talks continue.
Despite such strains, leaders on both sides of the Atlantic appear to agree on one thing: for NATO to remain strong and united, Europe must become more capable — and more central — within the alliance.
