News|NATOUS urges Europe to take the lead on defence in NATOPentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby says current NATO approach ‘no longer fit for purpose’.
The United States Pentagon policy chief, Elbridge Colby, has emphasized the need for NATO to foster partnerships rather than dependencies, urging Europe to take primary responsibility for its defense.
The United States Pentagon policy chief, Elbridge Colby, has emphasized the need for NATO to foster partnerships rather than dependencies, urging Europe to take primary responsibility for its defense.
During a meeting with NATO defense ministers in Brussels on Thursday, Colby delivered remarks advocating for "clear-eyed realism and fundamental adaptation by all." He pointed out that the current approach of the military alliance is "no longer fit for purpose" and called for a "NATO 3.0" that requires greater efforts from allies to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe.
Colby clarified that the United States' shifting priorities are not a retreat from Europe but rather an "affirmation of strategic pragmatism" and a recognition of the allies' capabilities. He stated that the U.S. would continue to provide its extended nuclear deterrent and contribute to NATO's defense in a more limited and focused manner, while also participating in training, exercises, and planning with allies. Colby underscored the importance of rebalancing roles and burdens within the Alliance.
Colby underscored the importance of rebalancing roles and burdens within the Alliance.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted the significance of the recent meeting, describing it as "one of the most pivotal" he had attended. He reiterated that the U.S. nuclear umbrella remains the ultimate guarantor of security for Europe and Canada, complemented by a strong U.S. conventional presence in Europe.
Rutte announced that NATO states have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to support the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), an initiative providing Ukraine with U.S.-made equipment and munitions. He expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Lithuania for their contributions and anticipated additional pledges soon. "The good news is that the billions are coming in," he stated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for more protection from Russian strikes, highlighting the effectiveness of "Patriots" against Russian ballistics and the necessity for a steady supply of missiles. He thanked contributors to the PURL program and urged for expedited delivery of air defense systems.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.