US Steps Back in NATO: European Allies Take Greater Command Responsibilities

Brussels, Belgium – In a significant shift within NATO, the United States is gradually stepping back from certain operational responsibilities, paving the way for European allies to assume a more prominent leadership role in the Alliance. The move reflects both a strategic recalibration and a long-term effort to empower European members in defense and regional security matters.

While the Supreme Allied Command remains under U.S. control, led by General Alexus Grynkewich from NATO’s headquarters in Mons, Belgium, recent decisions by the Military Committee signal a redistribution of authority across key operational centers. On February 10, representatives from all 32 member states confirmed that duties would be reallocated among the Alliance’s three major operational commands, which report directly to Grynkewich.

Under the new arrangement, Italy will take the lead at the Joint Force Command in Naples, while the United Kingdom assumes command of the Norfolk base in Virginia. Meanwhile, the Brunssum headquarters in the Netherlands will see a Polish general working alongside German General Ingo Gerhartz, managing Eastern European operations together. NATO has stated that these changes will be implemented gradually over the coming years.

Although NATO does not enforce strict term limits for commanders at this level, typical rotations last between two to three years. U.S. Navy Admiral George Wikoff took command in Naples on November 19, 2025, meaning it may be some time before an Italian official officially steps into his role. Nevertheless, the transition is viewed as highly symbolic.

Italy’s Ministry of Defense, led by Guido Crosetto, has welcomed the decision as recognition of Italy’s strategic importance within the Alliance, particularly regarding NATO’s southern flank. The United Kingdom similarly supports the reorganization, overseeing operations at Norfolk to secure transatlantic routes and maintain Arctic defense readiness. The move comes at a time when tensions over Greenland and Arctic sovereignty have eased compared to previous years.

In Eastern Europe, the joint Polish-German command at Brunssum highlights the increasing responsibilities delegated to Poland, a key supporter of Ukraine amidst ongoing regional tensions. NATO Military Committee President Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone described the development as “historic,” noting that European allies, including newer member states, are being called upon to take stronger roles in the military leadership of the Alliance. He emphasized that the United States remains “fully committed to NATO” while encouraging partner nations to take on more operational responsibilities.

Beyond the three major operational commands, Washington retains leadership over tactical commands, including the Allied Maritime Command in Northwood, UK, which oversees maritime security; Air Command in Ramstein, Germany; and Land Command in Izmir, Turkey. These tactical structures provide vital crisis management support and operational analyses, ensuring NATO’s readiness for emergencies and unexpected threats.

This redistribution of duties also reflects Washington’s broader policy of encouraging allied nations to share defense costs and responsibilities more evenly—a strategy initiated during the Obama administration and expanded under former President Donald Trump. While the U.S. continues to oversee critical strategic regions, European nations are increasingly empowered to lead in areas where they are geographically and politically positioned to respond swiftly.

The ongoing changes signal a NATO that is evolving to meet modern challenges, balancing American oversight with European initiative, and ensuring that responsibility is shared among all members of the transatlantic alliance. Experts suggest that this trend could strengthen NATO’s long-term operational resilience, enhance regional security, and reinforce the credibility of European military leadership on the global stage.