U.S. official urges NATO to shift from U.S. dependency to equal partnership, citing 2025 defense spending increases by allies.

On February 12, 2026, U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby urged NATO to move from dependency on the U.S. toward equal partnership, citing increased defense spending by European nations and Canada in 2025 as progress. Speaking ahead of a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Colby emphasized shared responsibility and collective security, aligning with NATO’s original goals. His remarks reflect broader U.S. efforts to rebalance defense burdens and strengthen alliance readiness amid rising global threats.