As the agency emphasized, this decision is part of US President Donald Trump's desire for European countries to take greater responsibility for their own security. The American administration is calling for the transformation of the Alliance, long dominated by the United States, into “NATO under European leadership,” noted Reuters.
What NATO commands will they hand over to the US?
Who will take command in Naples?
What is the goal of transforming the Alliance?
Will the US continue to lead other NATO commands?
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the Europeans are to take over management of the Allied Joint Forces Command in Naples and the NATO Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, which are currently headed by American admirals.
As AFP writes, the Americans are relinquishing the command in Naples to the Italians, and the command in Norfolk to the British. The third Allied Joint Force Command, focused on the eastern part of NATO, is stationed in Brunssum in the Netherlands and is currently commanded by a German officer.
“Allies agreed on a new division”
The US is to take over command of the Allied Naval Command from the British. In addition, they will continue to lead Allied Air Command and Allied Land Command, Reuters reported.
— Allies have agreed on a new division of responsibilities for senior officers in the NATO command structure, under which European allies, including NATO's newest members, will play a more important role in the Alliance's military command, a NATO official said.
He added that the decision related to “planning future rotations” and more details will be disclosed in due course.
