# NATO Shifts European Defence Burden From Washington to Allies 2026-08-07T00:45:55+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet NATO is entering a new phase as the United States asks European allies to take primary responsibility for their continent’s conventional defence, The Hindu reports. Washington still intends to provide nuclear deterrence, intelligence, long-range strike capabilities and political leadership, but no longer act as Europe’s sole military backbone. US troop strength in Europe has fallen to about 75,000 to 80,000, from around 1,00,000 after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. At the 2025 Hague Summit, members agreed to raise core defence spending to at least 3.5% of GDP by 2035. The shift will test whether European countries can replace key American capabilities, including satellite support, strategic airlift, command systems, missile defence and intelligence. NATO members also pledged €70 billion in military assistance for Ukraine in 2026 and backed European development of long-range precision weapons. Germany has doubled defence spending since 2023 and aims to meet the 3.5% target by 2029. Russia has meanwhile strengthened its western military posture. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: European defence, NATO, Russia, Ukraine, United States Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/nato-shifts-european-defence-burden-from-washington-to-allies/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/nato-shifts-european-defence-burden-from-washington-to-allies/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.