European NATO allies to take on expanded leadership roles in command structure

ISTANBUL

NATO announced Tuesday that its European allies will take on new leadership roles within its Command Structure.

"On 6 February 2026, Allies agreed on a new distribution of senior officer responsibility across the NATO Command Structure in which European Allies, including NATO’s newest members, will play a more prominent role in the Alliance’s military leadership," NATO said in a written statement.

The statement noted that the UK and Italy will take over command of Joint Force Command Norfolk and Joint Force Command Naples, respectively, both of which are currently led by the US. Germany and Poland will share command of Joint Force Command Brunssum on a rotational basis.

"The United States will lead all three theater component commands, newly taking up responsibility for Allied Maritime Command, and maintaining leadership of Allied Land Command and Allied Air Command," the statement added.

It noted that the changes will be implemented "incrementally in the coming years, in line with the existing scheduled rotation of personnel."

"The agreement is part of a shift to more fairly share responsibility within NATO, with European Allies taking on greater leadership roles in NATO’s Command Structure, while also making clear the US commitment to NATO command and control, including in maintaining the role of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)," the statement further underscored.