U.S. Sets 2027 Deadline for Europe to Lead NATO's Conventional Defense

Overview

• The expectation was delivered in Washington this week during meetings between Pentagon NATO policymakers and several European delegations.
• U.S. officials said Washington could cease participating in certain NATO defense coordination mechanisms if Europe falls short of the 2027 target.
• NATO acknowledged a shift toward greater European responsibility but declined to comment on the specific deadline.
• European representatives called the timeline unrealistic, citing production backlogs and U.S. intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities they cannot quickly replace.
• It remains unclear whether the 2027 date reflects administration policy, and no metrics were provided for judging compliance as the EU pursues a separate 2030 readiness goal.