The Pentagon's policy chief emphasized the need for NATO to be built on a partnership model rather than a dependency model during a meeting of defense ministers in Brussels.
During a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby stressed that the alliance should focus on building partnerships instead of fostering dependence among its members. Colby highlighted the importance of cooperation and pragmatism, urging member nations to align their actions closer to the original purpose of NATO, which was to provide mutual defense and support rather than creating reliance.
Colby also reassured European allies by noting the firm foundation for collaboration amidst discussions about defense responsibilities. He underscored that many European nations are committed to taking charge of continental defense, especially in scenarios involving conventional warfare. This shift towards self-reliance among European NATO members reflects an evolving understanding of defense dynamics within the alliance and a response to changing global security challenges.
The meeting in Brussels was notable for the absence of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, with Colby representing the United States as the third-ranking official at the Pentagon. This absence marks the second consecutive instance where a Trump administration official has missed this important NATO gathering, raising questions about the U.S. commitment to its traditional leadership role within the alliance and the impact on transatlantic relationships.
