U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said to NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday that European allies must end decades of military free-riding [1, 3].
The demand signals a potential shift in the trans-Atlantic security architecture, suggesting the U.S. may reduce its military footprint if European nations do not increase their own defense spending [1, 3].
Speaking on European soil, Hegseth said he is announcing a formal review of U.S. forces stationed in Europe [1, 3]. He said the current security arrangement is unsustainable and that the burden of regional stability must be redistributed among member states [1, 3].
"The Trump administration has said again and again in the last year and a half, our allies must step up. President Trump has been very clear on this," Hegseth said [1].
Hegseth proposed a transition to what he termed "NATO 3.0," a model he said should be built on European military power rather than a reliance on the United States [1]. He said the alliance needs to evolve into a "hard line military alliance" where European allies lead their own defense [3].
This push for a restructured alliance comes as the U.S. seeks to reshape its global commitments. By calling for a more capable European defense force, the U.S. aims to reduce the financial and strategic weight it carries in protecting the European continent [1, 3].
"We need a NATO 3.0 built on European military power rather than dependence on the United States," Hegseth said [1].
“"We need a NATO 3.0 built on European military power rather than dependence on the United States."”
The call for 'NATO 3.0' represents a move toward a more transactional relationship between the U.S. and its European allies. By reviewing troop levels and demanding a 'hard line' military approach, the U.S. is leveraging its security guarantee to force a permanent increase in European defense autonomy and spending.
