US policy chief urges NATO to embrace European-led defense

The Pentagon's top policy official, Elbridge Colby, has urged NATO allies to embrace a more European-led defense strategy, signaling a significant review of US troop deployments on the continent. Colby stated that for NATO to "survive and indeed thrive, NATO must change."

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We believe that in order to survive and indeed thrive, NATO must change.

Washington launched a six-month review of its European force posture in June. Recently, NATO members received a questionnaire covering defense spending, strategy, procurement, and support for US foreign policy. The review is expected to present at least four sets of options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6.

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This is not a narrow review about places and bases alone, although those are of course important. Rather, it is a look at our strategic posture here in the broader sense.

Colby emphasized that the review is not merely about troop locations but a broader strategic assessment. "Rather, it is a look at our strategic posture here in the broader sense," he said, adding that it will "encourage, enable, and impel a transition to a more durable and powerful European-led conventional defense of the continent."

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it will encourage, enable, and impel a transition to a more durable and powerful European-led conventional defense of the continent.

Diplomats described the initial discussions as positive but preliminary. One NATO diplomat noted that allied efforts toward burden-shifting are underway, while a European diplomat characterized the meeting as "mainly sounding out." The overarching message from allies, understood by the US, was that "Europe is stepping up and unity is key."

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Consultations and engagement are a vital part of this review. We want to hear from you.