There was a clear message coming out of Brussels this week: if NATO is to remain strong, Europe will need to shoulder more of the burden. While both American and European officials appear to agree on that principle, their reasons for doing so are not entirely the same.
Speaking at a meeting of NATO defence ministers, US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for what he described as “NATO 3.0.” In his view, that means European allies taking primary responsibility for the conventional defence of the continent.
According to Colby, Europe should provide the bulk of the forces needed to deter — and, if required, defeat — aggression on its own soil. The United States, he signalled, wants to focus more attention on other strategic priorities, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.
Europe Signals It Is Ready to Step Up
The American push for greater burden-sharing is not new. Washington has been pressing European allies for years to increase defence spending and reduce reliance on US military power.
What felt different this time was Europe’s response.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the meeting as one of the most significant he has attended, pointing to what he called a “real shift in mindset.” Several countries, including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, are now exceeding the alliance’s 3.5% of GDP defence spending target — and doing so well ahead of schedule.
The spending boost follows months of pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly questioned America’s commitment to NATO’s collective defence obligations if allies fail to meet agreed targets. Those comments have left many European governments wary of relying too heavily on Washington.
Tensions and Trust Across the Atlantic
The debate over NATO’s future comes at a sensitive moment. Just weeks ago, President Trump threatened military action against Denmark, a fellow NATO member, over Greenland. In response, NATO launched increased monitoring activity in the Arctic while diplomatic talks continue.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged that the US has long carried most of the weight when it comes to conventional deterrence in Europe. He said it is only natural for Europeans to gradually assume more responsibility.
French and Romanian officials echoed that sentiment, arguing that Europe must strengthen its own defence capabilities — including scaling up weapons production — while maintaining cooperation with NATO and the United States.
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans stressed the importance of transparency, calling for a “no-surprise” approach so that any American military drawdown would be matched by a coordinated European build-up.
A Gradual Rebalancing of Power
Signs of that rebalancing are already visible. The US recently announced it would not replace an infantry brigade stationed in Romania after its current rotation ends, signalling the beginning of a modest pullback.
European nations have also taken on more prominent roles within NATO’s command structure. However, the United States continues to hold key leadership positions, including overall command of Allied Land and Air Command.
Rutte made clear that while Europe is increasing its responsibilities, it remains essential that the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — the officer responsible for NATO’s military planning — stays American. In his view, that guarantees a strong and lasting US presence on the continent.
As NATO adapts to shifting global priorities and political uncertainty, the alliance appears to be entering a new phase — one where Europe takes greater ownership of its own defence, even as the transatlantic partnership endures.
