Pentagon official says NATO allies support shift to European-led defence
Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby told the Senate that NATO members are backing a move toward a non-nuclear European defence as the U.S. reviews its troop presence.
In a Senate hearing, Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby said NATO allies are largely on board with a vision of "NATO 3.0," where Europe maintains a non-nuclear defence posture while the United States reduces its troop footprint. The Pentagon is conducting a six-month review of its roughly 80,000 soldiers stationed in Europe and is now showing partners how to step up their own capabilities. Colby highlighted that European governments have increased defence spending, purchased U.S. arms, and are strengthening domestic defence sectors, indicating growing burden-sharing.
He also referenced a questionnaire sent to allied capitals that gauged strategic contributions and loyalty to U.S. policy. This briefing comes after the 2025 annual policy bill limited U.S. troop reductions below 76,000 without extensive consultations, reflecting congressional concern over potential security gaps as Russia remains a threat.
Why it matters
European defence autonomy affects U.S. military commitments and NATO's ability to deter Russian aggression.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage celebrates Germany’s increased defence spending as a model for the alliance, while right-leaning coverage stresses a broader shift toward a European-led defence and U.S. troop reductions.
LEFT
Frames the story as praise for Germany’s defence spending surge, presenting it as a model for NATO.
RIGHT
Frames the story as evidence of a move toward a European-led defence posture and reduced U.S. troop presence, highlighting burden-sharing.
The left emphasises
- Germany is a "model for other NATO members"
- historic transformation from demilitarisation to rapid rearmament
- concrete actions to raise defence outlays
The right emphasises
- "NATO 3.0" - Europe maintains a non-nuclear defence while the U.S. cuts troops
- European allies increasing spending, buying U.S. arms, strengthening domestic sectors
- burden-sharing and reduced U.S. footprint in Europe
In this story
