US urges Europe to take the lead on defence in NATO

In February 2026, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby urged European NATO members to take primary responsibility for their own defense, stating the current alliance approach is outdated. Speaking in Brussels to NATO defense ministers, Colby outlined a "NATO 3.0" where Europe assumes greater conventional defense burdens. While affirming the US commitment to providing a nuclear deterrent and limited support, he emphasized a necessary rebalancing of roles within the alliance. Colby framed this shift as strategic pragmatism, acknowledging Europe's capacity to enhance its defense capabilities. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described the meeting as pivotal, anticipating continued US nuclear protection and a strong conventional presence in Europe.

Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby told European NATO members in Brussels that they need to increase their combat capabilities to better defend against Russia. Colby, representing the US, stated that while the US remains committed to NATO and its nuclear deterrent, it will reduce its conventional forces in Europe. He urged European nations to prioritize effective war-fighting capabilities and increase defense spending, moving beyond intentions to concrete outputs. Colby emphasized that the US focus is shifting towards deterring China and securing the Americas, requiring Europe to take the lead in its own conventional defense. He affirmed the US commitment to Article 5, despite previous doubts raised by President Trump.

At a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on February 12, 2026, discussions centered on Europe and Canada increasing their defense spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that these nations would be investing billions more in defense. Despite this shift, Rutte also acknowledged the United States' continued role in leading peace efforts in Ukraine. The meeting included participation from U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, along with defense ministers from Germany, France, and Britain. The meeting took place amid a perceived step back by the Trump administration, prompting allies to focus on bolstering European defense capabilities.