A high-ranking American defense official, speaking at the NATO Defence Ministerial, has implored European NATO members to assume the primary role in Europe’s conventional protection. He contended that the Alliance must adapt to a shifted strategic environment and the escalating need for the United States to prioritize dangers in other regions.
Addressing an audience in Brussels, Elbridge Colby, the Under Secretary of War for Policy, stated that the global context which defined NATO’s stance after the Cold War “is no longer in existence.” He cautioned that “power politics has re-emerged” and that extensive military force is again being utilized.
Colby indicated that the United States was prioritizing the protection of its domestic territory and interests in the Western Hemisphere, while simultaneously bolstering deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly the Western Pacific. He further noted that allies must be prepared for the prospect of adversaries operating concurrently across multiple operational areas.
“These realities compel us to reflect precisely, soberly, and realistically on how we protect ourselves, and how we accomplish this jointly in a manner that is sustainable, prudent, and lasting,” he stated.
Colby dismissed the notion that this alteration represented a disengagement from NATO, characterizing it instead as a reversion to the Alliance’s original mission. He explained that NATO’s Cold War paradigm involved allies being expected to “contribute their fair share,” citing discussions on shared responsibilities under multiple US presidents and contending that this approach helped deter Soviet belligerence.
He characterized the post-Cold War era as a transition into what he termed “NATO 2.0,” distinguished by reduced European defense expenditure and an increased concentration on operations outside the Alliance’s core area. Colby asserted this model was no longer “fit for its objective” and urged a “NATO 3.0” methodology that more closely mirrored the Cold War framework.
“This ‘NATO 3.0’ necessitates considerably greater efforts by our allies to step forward and assume primary accountability for the conventional defense of Europe,” he stated.
Colby lauded the commitments made at the 2025 Hague Summit, noting NATO members had begun to perceive that a model where the United States provided the “overwhelming share of high-end military power” while European allies spent relatively little was no longer viable.
He noted that allies were now progressing towards the Hague commitments of 3.5% and 5% of GDP on core and broader defense outlays, characterizing these levels as a “new global benchmark.”
Nevertheless, Colby argued that NATO must now transform spending commitments into practical military outcomes, including “prepared forces, usable munitions, robust logistics, and integrated command structures.”
“Defense expenditure levels are crucial, and there is no substitute for them. Yet, what truly matters in the end is what those resources generate,” he stated.
He also urged for greater emphasis on combat effectiveness and cautioned against overly ambitious procurement targets, stating that not every capability could be “overly perfected” and that NATO members would need to make difficult choices regarding readiness and inventories.
Colby indicated the United States would persist in providing extended nuclear deterrence and would still contribute conventional capabilities, though in a “more limited and focused manner.” He stated Washington would be candid about the scope and timeline of this alteration, while continuing to train, drill, and plan alongside allies.
“We will continue to provide the U.S. extended nuclear deterrent,” he stated, adding: “We in the Department of War will persist in readying our forces to fulfill our part under Article V with Europe taking the lead for its conventional defense.” Colby noted the United States would continue to advocate for a “rebalancing of roles and burdens” within the Alliance, describing this as vital to ensure NATO remained trustworthy and viable.
He contended the approach was designed to strengthen Europe rather than weaken it, stating the US sought “partnerships, not dependencies.” He added that alliances were strongest when responsibilities were shared commensurate with power and interests, cautioning that imbalances could create “structural strain.” Colby expressed encouragement regarding increased defense spending among several European allies and ongoing reforms to procurement and readiness systems. He also highlighted NATO’s defense planning process becoming more operationally focused.
He concluded by portraying a future NATO in which Europe provides the primary conventional defense of the continent, supported by US strategic power. He stated the Alliance must be founded on deterrence and effective protection rather than “symbolism.” “Partnership, by definition, entails advancing jointly, with each carrying an equitable share of the burden,” he remarked.