US and European defence ministers signaled on Thursday that NATO must evolve, with Europe taking on a larger share of responsibility for its own defence. While both sides agree on the need for change, their motivations differ: the US wants to pivot more attention to other global regions, while Europeans are concerned about relying too heavily on a sometimes unpredictable American administration.
US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called the vision “NATO 3.0,” emphasizing that European allies should provide the bulk of the forces needed to deter or defeat conventional aggression on the continent. “This requires much greater efforts by our allies to step up and assume primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe,” he said.
Europe Stepping Up
For years, the US has pushed European allies to share the defence burden, especially as Washington shifts focus toward the Indo-Pacific. Europe has at times been hesitant, but in Brussels ministers signaled a willingness to rise to the challenge.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as pivotal, noting a “real shift in mindset” and a growing unity of vision. Several nations, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, are exceeding the new 3.5% of GDP defence spending target, achieving it a decade ahead of schedule. This comes after US pressure last year, when questions were raised about the alliance’s collective defence commitments.
Balancing Responsibility and Transatlantic Ties
European leaders stressed that taking on more responsibility is both natural and necessary. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said it was time for Europe to gradually assume more conventional defence duties. France and Romania echoed the sentiment, urging increased defence production while maintaining coordination with NATO and the US.
The Netherlands called for a “no-surprise policy” to ensure any US pullback is matched by European buildup. Some rebalancing is already underway: the US announced it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, while Europe has taken on more leadership roles in NATO’s command structure.
Rutte emphasized that while Europe assumes more operational responsibility, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — responsible for NATO’s military planning — should remain American. This arrangement preserves a strong US presence while reflecting a practical division of labour in an alliance where the US economy still accounts for over half of NATO’s total.
Looking Ahead
NATO 3.0 represents a new phase: Europe increasingly leading its own defence, the US focusing on global priorities, and both sides working to maintain the transatlantic bond. The challenge will be ensuring this shift strengthens NATO without undermining the unity that has long been its foundation.
