Story perspectives

U.S. Transfers NATO Command to Europeans Amid Reliability Concerns

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States will transfer command of two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) posts in Naples, Italy, and Norfolk, Virginia, to European officers.
The move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a European-led NATO.
Concerns about U.S. commitments in Europe rise as 66% of Germans view the United States as less reliable.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, will discuss future U.S. military plans in Europe at NATO meetings.

History

Historical Context

NATO, established on April 4, 1949, faced challenges in 2018 as the U.S. aimed to shift leadership roles to European officers, reflecting growing tensions over its military presence in Europe. A 2017 Pew survey indicated that 66% of Germans viewed the U.S. as less reliable, highlighting concerns about transatlantic relations and the future of NATO's collective defense strategy.

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Story summary

The United States will transfer command of two North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) posts in Naples, Italy, and Norfolk, Virginia, to European officers.
The move aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a European-led NATO.
Concerns about U.S. commitments in Europe rise as 66% of Germans view the United States as less reliable.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, will discuss future U.S. military plans in Europe at NATO meetings.

1 / 2