Europe Takes Over More NATO Commander Roles

The U.S. is shifting more responsibility to Europe as it pivots toward the Indo-Pacific.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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European countries will take over all three of NATO's commands in charge of planning and executing the alliance's military operations after sustained pressure from the U.S. to shift more responsibility to Europe. The United Kingdom will head up the Virginia-based Joint Force Command Norfolk, while Italy will take the lead of Joint Force Command Naples. Germany and Poland will take turns leading the Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands.

Why it matters

The changes reflect a broader shift in the U.S. military's focus away from Europe and toward the Indo-Pacific region. This will require European nations to take on more of the burden for their own defense and security, which has long been propped up by the U.S.

The details

The U.S. is currently in charge of the Joint Force Command Norfolk and Joint Force Command Naples, but will now become responsible for NATO's Maritime Command (MARCOM), Land Command (LANDCOM), Air Command (AIRCOM) and Special Operations Forces (SOFCOM). The changes will slowly come into force over the next few years as European nations ramp up military spending and capabilities to shoulder more responsibility.

  • The changes to the commands will slowly come into force over the next few years, NATO said.
  • German Air Force General Ingo Gerhartz has been in command of the Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands since June 2025.

The players

NATO

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a military alliance of 30 European and North American countries.

United Kingdom

A member of NATO that will take over leadership of the Joint Force Command Norfolk.

Italy

A member of NATO that will take over leadership of the Joint Force Command Naples.

Germany

A member of NATO that will take turns leading the Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands.

Poland

A member of NATO that will take turns leading the Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands.

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What they’re saying

“The Europeans and Canada should be doing more and I don't think that's an unreasonable ask of the U.S.”

— Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR) (Newsweek)

The takeaway

The shift of NATO command roles to European countries reflects the U.S. military's pivot toward the Indo-Pacific region and the need for European nations to take on more responsibility for their own defense and security.