US to Transfer NATO Command of 2 Key Regions to Europe

Brussels, Belgium – The United States is set to relinquish command of two key NATO regional commands to European allies, marking a significant shift in the alliance’s power structure and a move towards what Washington describes as a more equitable distribution of responsibility. The changes, confirmed by diplomats on Monday, February 9, 2026, come amid ongoing discussions about burden-sharing within the 32-member alliance and as the US increasingly focuses on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to officials, the US will transfer leadership of NATO’s Naples command, responsible for the southern flank of the alliance, to Italy. Simultaneously, command of the Norfolk command in Virginia, overseeing the northern region, will be handed over to Britain. This represents a notable adjustment to the longstanding arrangement where the US held primary responsibility for both regions.

In a reciprocal move, the United States will assume command of NATO’s maritime forces, currently based in the United Kingdom. This exchange, while shifting regional command responsibilities, ensures the US maintains a central role within the alliance’s core military functions – air, land and sea operations – and retains the pivotal position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The changes are expected to take several months to fully implement, according to two NATO diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity. It’s a good sign of burden shifting in practice, one diplomat stated, highlighting the broader trend of European nations taking on greater defense responsibilities.

This shift in command structure aligns with repeated calls from US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for NATO member states to increase their contributions to collective defense. The pressure from Washington reflects a growing desire to redistribute the financial and operational burdens associated with maintaining a robust NATO presence, particularly in Europe. This has been a consistent theme in US policy discussions regarding the alliance for some time, as evidenced by reports dating back to March 26, 2025, when new Pentagon advisors reportedly advocated for the US to surrender key NATO roles.

The move also comes as the US signals a potential reduction in its overall defense presence in Europe, aiming to reallocate resources towards addressing emerging threats, most notably the increasing military and economic influence of China. However, US NATO ambassador Matthew Whitaker emphasized on Monday that the US remains committed to strengthening, not dismantling, NATO. We’re trying to make NATO stronger, not to withdraw or reject NATO, but make it work like it was intended as an alliance of 32 strong and capable allies, Whitaker said.

European nations have already demonstrated a willingness to increase their military spending in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and last year agreed to raise NATO’s defense spending target. This increased financial commitment, coupled with the assumption of greater command responsibilities, underscores a growing sense of self-reliance and a determination to play a more prominent role in ensuring European security.

The transfer of command responsibilities also has implications for regional defense planning. As of December 5, 2025, NATO had already begun relocating the defense headquarters for Northern Europe to the United States, specifically to facilitate planning for the defense of Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. This relocation, combined with the shift in command of the Norfolk command to Britain, suggests a broader restructuring of NATO’s operational framework.

While the US will cede control of these regional commands, the overall number of US personnel stationed within key NATO command centers is also being reduced. Sources indicate that the US plans to cut roughly 200 NATO positions, a move that, while contributing to burden-sharing, also reflects the changing strategic landscape and the US desire to streamline its military footprint.

The decision to transfer command responsibilities has not been without its complexities. Trump’s past rhetoric and occasional questioning of NATO’s relevance have, at times, created uncertainty among allies. His recent claims regarding Greenland, for example, have raised concerns about the reliability of US commitment to the alliance. However, the current move is being presented as a proactive step towards strengthening NATO by fostering greater European ownership and responsibility.

The implications of these changes extend beyond the immediate operational adjustments. They represent a symbolic shift in the transatlantic relationship, signaling a move towards a more balanced partnership where European allies are expected to shoulder a greater share of the burden for collective defense. The success of this transition will depend on the continued commitment of both the US and its European allies to maintaining a strong and unified NATO in the face of evolving security challenges.

The changes are likely to be a topic of discussion at upcoming NATO summits and defense ministerial meetings, as allies work to refine the new command structure and address any potential challenges that may arise during the implementation process. The long-term impact of these shifts will be closely watched by security analysts and policymakers around the world.