The United States is preparing to hand over leadership of two major NATO regional commands to European allies, a move that reflects Washington’s push for greater burden-sharing within the alliance, according to diplomats familiar with the decision.
Under the planned changes, Italy will assume leadership of NATO’s southern command based in Naples, while the United Kingdom will take charge of the alliance’s northern-focused command currently headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. The restructuring is expected to unfold gradually over the coming months.
At the same time, the United States will take command of NATO’s maritime operations, which are headquartered in the UK, ensuring Washington retains a central operational role within the alliance.
A push for greater European responsibility
Diplomats say the changes align with President Donald Trump’s long-standing call for European allies to play a larger role in their own defence. One senior official described the move as a practical example of burden-sharing, rather than a symbolic gesture.
The reallocation of command responsibilities comes amid broader discussions in Washington about potentially reducing the US military footprint in Europe, as American defence priorities increasingly shift toward challenges in the Indo-Pacific, particularly China.
US remains central to NATO leadership
Despite the transfer of regional commands, the United States will continue to dominate NATO’s overall military structure. Washington will retain control over the alliance’s core air, land, and sea commands, as well as the top military post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)—a position traditionally held by a US general.
Security analysts note that this ensures continuity in NATO’s strategic decision-making, even as operational leadership becomes more evenly distributed among member states.
Context: rising defence spending and alliance tensions
European NATO members have significantly increased defence budgets in recent years, driven largely by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The alliance also agreed last year to raise its collective defence spending targets, responding to pressure from the United States.
However, uncertainty about Washington’s long-term commitment to NATO has persisted. President Trump has repeatedly questioned the reliability of allies who fall short on defence spending and recently reignited tensions with controversial remarks about Greenland.
US insists move is about strengthening NATO
US officials have rejected suggestions that the command changes signal a retreat from NATO. Speaking on Monday, America’s ambassador to the alliance said the goal is to make NATO function as it was originally designed—a partnership of capable and committed allies, rather than one overly dependent on US resources.
“We are focused on strengthening the alliance, not dismantling it,” the envoy said, adding that encouraging Europe to step up would ultimately make NATO more resilient.
What it means for NATO’s future
The reshuffle marks one of the most significant adjustments to NATO’s command structure in years and underscores a gradual evolution in transatlantic security relations. While the US remains the alliance’s military backbone, European nations are increasingly being positioned to take on greater leadership roles as global security dynamics shift.
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