NATO allies have agreed on a new division of responsibilities among senior officers in the command structure, which will now feature a more significant role for European allies, including the newest members of NATO. This update was announced by the NATO Military Committee, which consists of 32 Chiefs of Defence. Notably, the command in Naples, covering the southern flank, will be led by an Italian general, while a British commander will oversee operations in Norfolk, responsible for the northern region. Crucially, the command in Brunssum, which focuses on operations relevant to Poland and its neighbors, will be alternated between a German and a Polish general.

This new arrangement points to a broader trend of increasing "Europeanization" within NATO, where European nations are taking on more leadership and operational responsibilities. For instance, European defense spending is rising at a much faster rate compared to that of the United States, indicating a shift in how resources and strategic capabilities are prioritized within the alliance. This shift is significant as it reflects a growing commitment amongst European nations to contribute more actively to NATO's collective defense, thereby enhancing regional security.