US and European defence ministers signaled this week that NATO must evolve, with Europe taking on a larger role in its own defence. While both sides agree on the need for change, their reasons differ: the US wants to pivot attention to other global regions, while European leaders are cautious about relying on an unpredictable American administration.
US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for a “NATO 3.0,” urging European allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defence. “Europe should field the preponderance of the forces required to deter, and if necessary, defeat conventional aggression in Europe,” he said. The call for greater European involvement aligns with Washington’s long-standing push for burden-sharing.
Europe Steps Up
Although Europe has sometimes been hesitant, the Brussels meeting showed willingness to act. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the gathering as pivotal, pointing to a “real shift in mindset” and stronger European defence within the alliance.
Several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, are already exceeding the new target of spending 3.5% of GDP on defence, hitting it a decade ahead of schedule. These commitments come after months of US pressure and rhetoric that questioned America’s commitment to defending allies who fall short on spending.
Strengthening the European Pillar
European leaders emphasized that assuming more responsibility is both natural and necessary. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius noted that the US has historically carried much of Europe’s conventional defence burden, and it is now time for Europeans to gradually take over. French and Romanian officials stressed the need for Europe to be capable of defending itself while maintaining close collaboration with NATO and the US.
The Netherlands called for a “no-surprise policy” to ensure any US troop reductions are matched by European action. Rebalancing is already underway: the US will not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, and European allies have taken on more leadership roles in NATO’s command structure.
Maintaining the Transatlantic Balance
Rutte stressed that certain key positions, including the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, should remain American to guarantee a strong US presence in Europe. This arrangement reflects a practical division of labour: Europe strengthens its conventional capabilities, while the US provides strategic leadership, maintaining the transatlantic bond that underpins NATO’s strength.
NATO 3.0 signals a new era for the alliance, with Europe taking greater ownership of defence, the US adjusting its global focus, and both sides working to ensure the alliance remains resilient in an uncertain world.
