The deployment of US military forces in Europe is being reviewed with the aim of advancing the initiative NATO describes as “NATO 3.0.” Elbridge Colby, undersecretary of defense for policy at the US Department of Defense, said the review was being conducted for this purpose.
On Tuesday, Colby discussed the European Posture Review with officials serving at US European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. In a post following the meeting, he said they had discussed the review with command officials and that the meeting had been productive.
Colby thanked US European Commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich and his team for their “excellent partnership,” and said the United States would continue engaging with the relevant parties throughout the process.
Purpose of the review
According to Colby, the aim is to advance and accelerate the NATO 3.0 goal of making Europe’s strategic posture “once again dedicated to clarity, rigor and readiness.”

Colby’s NATO program
Following his meetings in Stuttgart, Colby is expected to visit Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
Colby will then travel to NATO headquarters in Brussels. On Thursday, he will brief the North Atlantic Council on the European Posture Review and meet with the alliance’s senior officials.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is also expected to meet with Colby on Thursday.