NATO Command Restructuring Shifts Responsibilities to European Allies
– NATO is undergoing a significant command restructuring, transferring leadership of key warfighting commands to European allies, while the United States retains its role as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). The changes, approved by allies last week, represent a move towards a more equitable sharing of responsibility within the alliance, according to a NATO statement.
The United Kingdom will assume command of the Joint Force Command in Norfolk, Virginia, and Italy will take the lead of Joint Force Command Naples. Germany and Poland will share leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum on a rotational basis. These shifts mark the first time all three Joint Force Commands – which lead at the operational level in crisis and conflict – will be headed by Europeans.
While the US is relinquishing command of these two specific posts, it will simultaneously take responsibility for Allied Maritime Command, currently based in Northwood, United Kingdom, and will continue to lead Allied Land Command and Allied Air Command. This restructuring isn’t simply an organizational reshuffle, but a signal of evolving dynamics within the alliance, according to Alessandro Marrone, head of the “Defense, Security and Space” program at the Italian Institute of International Affairs (IAI).
“Here’s clearly the latter hypothesis,” Marrone said, referring to the idea that the changes reflect a broader trend of the US seeking greater responsibility-sharing from its European allies. “The US is handing over two interforce, joint, regional commands – that of Naples for the Southern Flank and that of Norfolk, which ensures the security of transatlantic routes, particularly in the event of reinforcements from North America to Europe in the event of escalation with Russia.”
The move comes at a time of uncertainty for the 32-nation alliance, with questions surrounding its future and rhetoric from US President Donald Trump raising concerns among some allies. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederisen recently stated that a US attack on a NATO ally would signal the end of the alliance.
However, NATO officials stress that the changes are not necessarily indicative of a US disengagement, but rather a recalibration of roles and responsibilities. The US military presence in Europe has already decreased significantly over the past three decades, from 300,000 units in 1991 to 100,000 in 2024, leading to a gradual rebalancing of power within the alliance.
“If there is a partial reduction and this reduction is compensated for by the Europeans, NATO is stronger because This proves more sustainable,” Marrone explained. “You can’t think that the United States will no longer devote resources to the Western Hemisphere or the Indo-Pacific or simply that it doesn’t want to spend so much money from American taxpayers for the defense of Europe.”
For Italy, assuming leadership of Joint Force Command Naples represents a significant step forward. The command is crucial for the security of the Southern Flank and the Mediterranean Sea, including underwater security and airspace defense against potential Russian threats. While the primary focus remains on deterring and defending against Russia, the command also plays a role in addressing potential crises in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Sahel region.
“It allows Italy to sit at higher-level military tables, to better participate in the planning and conduct of operations, and creates a pyramid of high-ranking Italian officers within NATO, which also favors future appointments,” Marrone noted. Italy previously held a rotational command at Brunssum, and now has Admiral Cavo Dragone chairing the NATO Military Committee.
The restructuring also highlights the growing importance of European defense capabilities and the need for increased investment in military resources. As European armed forces have increased their personnel and equipment since 2014, they have gained greater influence within NATO’s command structure. This trend is expected to continue as command positions become vacant and are filled by European officers.
Despite the shifts, NATO remains firmly committed to collective defense and deterrence. The alliance’s posture remains oriented towards the east, with a focus on safeguarding the eastern flank against potential Russian aggression. However, the increased European leadership within NATO’s command structure will contribute to a more balanced and sustainable alliance, capable of addressing a wide range of security challenges.
Marrone emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong political and diplomatic presence within NATO alongside the military advancements. “Unfortunately, for the past 5-6 years, Italy has no longer held top positions in the civilian structure and therefore influences policy much less. This is something the country must recover, both politically and diplomatically.”
