Pentagon launches European force review to shift defense burden to NATO allies

The Pentagon has launched a comprehensive review of US military force posture in Europe, aimed at accelerating NATO allies' assumption of primary responsibility for the continent's conventional defense. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby announced the Europe Posture Review on Monday, following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's announcement at the recent NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels .

A Strategic Rebalancing

Colby stated that the review is designed to ensure that NATO moves "fast and irreversibly" toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense . The outcome is expected to accelerate NATO's transition toward a "stronger, more equitable and sustainable" alliance, building on policies under President Donald Trump to encourage European allies to assume a larger share of the defense burden . This effort is part of a broader vision to restore NATO's character as "a powerful warfighting organization – a NATO 3.0" .

Aligning with Strategic Priorities

The review will assess US force posture in Europe to ensure alignment with the administration's 2025 National Security Strategy and 2026 National Defense Strategy . Officials will develop options based on strategic analysis and current geopolitical conditions. Colby noted he looks forward to working with NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe and consulting closely with European allies and Congress as the review proceeds . The review comes as Washington has made clear to Europe that it wants NATO allies on the continent to take over primary responsibility for their own conventional defense as US focus shifts toward other strategic theaters .