NATO Weighs Major Shift to Defending Europe Against Russia Over Overseas Missions, Politico Reports

NATO is considering its biggest overhaul of military planning in at least two decades, putting the defense of Europe against Russia ahead of maintaining additional forces for missions abroad, according to Politico. ⠀ Four NATO diplomats familiar with a draft planning document said the alliance’s 32 members could end a longstanding requirement to prepare for both a major European war and several smaller overseas crisis-management operations at the same time. Instead, countries would be expected to provide forces for one scenario or the other. ⠀ The proposed change is part of talks on NATO’s “Political Guidance,” which sets priorities for military capabilities, equipment and spending. Allies aim to agree on the guidance by February 2027, with updated capability requirements due in 2029. ⠀ The United States and allies in northern and eastern Europe favor greater emphasis on deterring Russia, while some southern European members want NATO to retain a substantial role in overseas crisis response. ⠀ A senior NATO official stressed that the proposal would not eliminate crisis-response missions. Existing operations in Kosovo and Iraq would not automatically be affected. ⠀ The discussions follow Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. pressure for European allies to devote more resources to defending their own territory. Negotiations remain at an early stage, and no final change has been approved.