The United States is asking European allies to take over most of NATO's defense capabilities by 2027, but European officials consider the request unrealistic.

The United States has informed its European allies that it expects Europe to take over the majority of NATO's conventional defense capabilities, including military intelligence and missile systems, by 2027. This request was communicated during a meeting in Washington, but many European officials consider it unrealistic due to industrial and financial limitations. The Pentagon has warned that if Europe does not meet this goal, the U.S. may withdraw from certain NATO defense coordination mechanisms, which would mark a significant shift in American commitment to Europe's defense. Although defense investments have increased following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European defense industry cannot produce quickly enough to replace American capabilities. The U.S. insists that Europe must take responsibility for its own security, while concerns persist in Europe about a possible American withdrawal from NATO structures.