Washington: The Pentagon is planning a major restructuring of US military commands, possibly including the US stepping down from its position as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). This position has been held by America's military leaders for nearly 75 years since its establishment in 1950, starting with Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became president.
According to Anadolu Agency, the current general in charge, who also leads the US European Command, has been overseeing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. The reorganization timeline is unclear, and Congress could influence the process, potentially blocking parts of the plan through funding decisions, as reported by NBC News.
Giving up the SACEUR role would be a significant symbolic change, altering the power dynamics within NATO, the alliance that has shaped European security and peace since World War II. Retired Adm. James Stavridis, who served as SACEUR and head of European Command from 2009 to 2013, noted that such a change would be perceived in Europe as a significant signal of the US stepping back from the alliance, NBC reported.
The Trump administration's restructuring comes after cuts to federal spending and staffing, with US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizing the importance of European allies taking on more responsibility for their defense. If the US relinquishes control of SACEUR, other NATO countries would likely need to decide among themselves which nation will propose the new commander.
The timeline for the potential SACEUR shift remains unclear, with Army Gen. Chris Cavoli, the current SACEUR, serving a three-year term set to conclude this summer. According to two defense officials familiar with the discussions, the plan being considered could lead to the consolidation of five of the military's 11 combatant commands, NBC reported.
During his first term in office, from 2017 to 2021, Trump urged European leaders to increase their defense spending, reiterating this call following his election to a second term in 2024. Trump's stance, which more closely aligns with Russia, along with skepticism and hostility towards Ukraine, and disdain towards NATO allies, as well as rumored proposals to quit the alliance, have left traditionally friendly European countries uncertain about the future of their ties with the US.