The United States on Wednesday informed NATO allies that it plans to scale back and reorganize its role in the NATO Force Model, as part of a wider strategy to shift more responsibility for Europe’s conventional defence to European countries and Canada. According to a press release from US European Command (EUCOM), officials from the US Department of War told allies that Washington would “rightsize” its contributions to NATO forces in line with the “burden sharing” goals outlined in the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the Department’s vision for a “NATO 3.0.”

The effort is being overseen by Under Secretary for War for Policy Elbridge Colby and aims to ensure that Europe takes the lead in handling conventional security challenges on the continent. Alexander Velez-Green, Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the Under Secretary for War Policy, formally conveyed the message during a NATO defence policy officials meeting in Brussels on May 22.

Commander of US European Command and US Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich said NATO had become overly dependent on American military support. He noted that President Trump and Secretary Hegseth had made it clear that this arrangement must change, especially given the possibility of simultaneous conflicts in multiple regions.

Grynkewich stated that the planned changes would make NATO’s defence strategy more practical by reducing reliance on US forces that may be required elsewhere, while also reflecting the growing military strength of non-US NATO members. He added that the transition had been coordinated for months between USEUCOM and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). Grynkewich said Canada and European allies could immediately increase contributions in areas such as manned and unmanned aircraft as well as naval forces, as the US redirects some of its military resources to other regions.

The matter was discussed again during a NATO force sourcing conference held from June 2 to 3 at SHAPE headquarters in Mons, Belgium, chaired by UK Air Chief Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Addressing representatives from NATO’s 32 member states, Grynkewich said SHAPE is continuing to work with allies to compensate for the reduced US role. He added that allied nations now have an opportunity to demonstrate unity and commitment to collective defence ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara next month.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from @US_EUCOM.