U.S. Warns NATO Allies to Lead European Defense by 2027

The United States has told its NATO allies that Europe must rapidly assume primary responsibility for its own conventional defense, according to an exclusive Reuters report. The Pentagon has set a 2027 deadline for this strategic shift. If European nations fail to build the necessary military capabilities by that time, Washington may significantly reduce its role in the alliance's defense planning. This potential change could reshape the fundamental structure of NATO. The warning pushes European members to accelerate long-standing commitments to increase defense spending and capability. The 2027 target is seen as an ambitious timeline for such a complex transition. The report, by journalist Camille Knight, indicates the U.S. goal is for European forces to manage most conventional threats, while America focuses on overarching nuclear security and specialized support.