Pentagon policy chief tells NATO allies US wants European-led defense of continent

The Pentagon's policy chief, Elbridge Colby, informed NATO allies in Brussels on Thursday that the US is conducting a review of its forces in Europe to facilitate a more European-led defense of the continent. This six-month review, initiated in June, involves a questionnaire sent to NATO members covering defense spending, strategy, and procurement. Colby stated, "We believe that in order to survive and indeed thrive, NATO must change," emphasizing that the review aims to encourage a "more durable and powerful European-led conventional defense." The process will generate options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, ahead of a December deadline. Diplomats described the initial discussions as positive, with one NATO diplomat noting that "allied efforts and contributions to the burden shifting are on the way."