There was a clear message coming out of Brussels this week: NATO must evolve if it wants to remain strong. US and European defence ministers appeared to agree that the alliance needs to become more European in both responsibility and capability. Where they differ, however, is in the motivation behind that shift.
Washington has made no secret of its desire to redirect more of its attention toward other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific. Many European leaders, meanwhile, are mindful of the unpredictability of the current US administration and see greater self-reliance as a necessity rather than a choice.
Speaking at the meeting, US Under Secretary of War Eldridge Colby called for what he described as “NATO 3.0.” In his view, that means European allies must assume primary responsibility for conventional defence on the continent. Europe, he argued, should provide the bulk of the forces needed to deter or defeat any aggression on its own soil.
A Shift in Tone — and Spending
The US call for greater burden-sharing is not new. For years, Washington has pressed European allies to increase defence spending, particularly as it pivots toward strategic competition in Asia. What felt different in Brussels was Europe’s response.
Rather than resisting the message, several ministers signalled they are already moving in that direction. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the gathering as one of the most significant he has attended, pointing to what he called a genuine change in mindset and a stronger European defence posture within the alliance.
Several countries — including Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland — are now exceeding the newly agreed 3.5% of GDP defence spending target, and doing so well ahead of schedule. That benchmark emerged after repeated pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has previously questioned whether Washington should defend allies that fall short of spending commitments.
Recent tensions have only underscored the need for clarity. Trump’s remarks about potentially using military force to take control of Greenland — a territory of NATO member Denmark — rattled European capitals. In response, NATO has increased vigilance in the Arctic while diplomatic talks continue.
Europe Steps Forward
European leaders have openly acknowledged that a rebalancing is underway. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said it was only natural for Europe to take on a greater share of conventional defence duties after decades in which the US carried much of the load.
France echoed that sentiment, noting that Europeans have already begun reinforcing the alliance’s “European pillar.” Romania called for a major expansion of defence production across the continent, stressing that cooperation with the US remains important — but that Europe must ultimately be able to defend itself.
The Netherlands emphasised the need for transparency, urging a “no-surprise policy” so that any US drawdown of forces is matched by a coordinated European buildup. The US has already signalled a gradual shift, announcing it would not replace a rotating infantry brigade in Romania, hinting at a broader recalibration.
Redrawing the Balance of Power
Changes are also visible within NATO’s command structure. European allies have assumed more leadership roles, although key positions remain in American hands. The US continues to lead Allied Land and Air Commands and has taken charge of the Allied Maritime Command.
Rutte made clear that while Europe can and should take on more operational responsibility, it remains vital for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe — the official responsible for NATO’s military planning — to remain American. In his view, this guarantees a strong and enduring US presence on the continent.
The emerging model reflects a practical division of labour: Europe strengthens its conventional forces and readiness, while the US maintains strategic leadership and a significant footprint. Whether driven by American strategic priorities or European caution about political unpredictability, the direction of travel seems set.
NATO, it appears, is entering a new chapter — one where Europe carries more weight, but the transatlantic bond remains at the core of the alliance.
