NATO 3.0: Europe's Difficult Path to Strategic Autonomy
Dr. Klaus WeberThe European defense landscape is at a historic turning point in March 2026. What seemed unthinkable for decades is now becoming operational reality: The United States is demanding not only higher defense spending from its European NATO allies but also the complete takeover of the conventional defense of the continent by 2027.
On February 12, 2026, Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Strategy at the Pentagon, addressed NATO defense ministers in Brussels and articulated the new American doctrine with unprecedented clarity. Europe must provide the preponderance of the forces required for its own defense. Washington will deploy its currently approximately 85,000 stationed troops in Europe to a more limited extent.
On February 12, 2026, Elbridge Colby, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense, addressed NATO defense ministers in Brussels, stating that Europe must assume full responsibility for its conventional defense by 2027. The U.S. will limit the deployment of its approximately 85,000 troops stationed in Europe, urging European allies to increase their defense spending significantly.
- The U.S. has approximately 85,000 troops stationed in Europe.
- Elbridge Colby presented a new doctrine to NATO defense ministers.
- Europe is expected to take full responsibility for its conventional defense by 2027.