The Pentagon has urged European NATO members to hand over most conventional defense capabilities—including intelligence and missile systems—by 2027, a deadline many officials deem unrealistic.
Pentagon Urges Europe to Transfer Capabilities
Reuters reports that US officials want Europe to assume the bulk of NATO’s conventional defense capacity, from intelligence to missile systems, by 2027. Pentagon representatives delivered this message last week to ambassadors in Washington.
Europe Faces Tight Deadline Amid Uncertain Progress
US diplomats said the timeline is “very tight” and some European officials called it “unrealistic”. The transfer of this burden from the United States to European NATO members would represent a radical shift in defense responsibilities.
Implications for NATO Coordination
During the meeting, Pentagon officials implied Washington remains dissatisfied with Europe’s progress in strengthening its defense posture since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If Europe fails to meet the 2027 requirements, the US may withdraw from certain NATO coordination mechanisms.
New US Security Strategy Criticizes European Allies
On December 5, a new US security strategy was released, redirecting attention to Asia and labeling China as the primary rival. The document also criticizes European partners, stating “the United States will support those who oppose the values promoted by the European Union, including in the area of immigration.”
It rejects the notion of global domination while promising to prevent domination by other powers. The strategy calls for adjusting US military presence to address immediate threats in the hemisphere, de-emphasizing theaters that have lost importance for national security in recent decades.
