NATO 3.0: Europe's Budget Prospects

At the NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels on February 12, 2026, Pentagon chief Arthur Colby proposed creating a 'NATO 3.0'. He argues that the current alliance model, known as NATO 2.0, no longer fits the changed world and urges Europe to significantly increase defense spending and take primary responsibility for its continental defense.

According to Colby, the United States will maintain its nuclear umbrella and provide limited support, but the main focus will shift to partnership rather than dependence. He emphasizes that Europe must 'step up and pay the bills,' noting that 'the current post–Cold War model no longer works'.

In response to his speech, media have already called this an attempt to reboot the alliance on a more realistic footing.

Context

NATO 1.0 was formed during the Cold War with a focus on collective defense. In subsequent decades, the alliance evolved into NATO 2.0, where European budgets are considered insufficient and the United States covers a substantial portion of the costs.