According to diplomats, the United States will hand over two senior NATO commands to European countries in a move aimed at strengthening the role of European allies in NATO’s military leadership.
Agence France-Presse reported on Monday, February 9, that Italy is set to assume command of the Naples headquarters, which focuses on NATO’s southern flank, while the United Kingdom will take over the Norfolk command in Virginia, responsible for the alliance’s northern flank.
At the same time, Washington will retain control of NATO naval forces based in the United Kingdom.
A NATO official said the “new distribution of responsibilities will enable European allies and newer NATO members to play a more prominent role in the alliance’s military leadership.”
The changes come amid U.S. pressure for greater European participation in NATO’s defense capabilities and are expected to be implemented in the coming months.
However, the United States will continue to hold NATO’s primary air, land, and maritime commands, as well as the top post of Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, emphasized that the goal of the reallocation is “to strengthen NATO and enhance the operational capacity of European allies.”