US releases heavy NATO posts after Trump's speech

TT

Published 2026-02-10 17.21

 

Alexus Grynkewich remains Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur). Archive photo. Photo: Henrik Montgomery/TT

The US is handing over heavy leadership posts in NATO's military commands to Europe, the defense alliance announces.

Two of NATO's three operational headquarters have previously been led by the US: JFC Norfolk, which includes Sweden and Finland, and JFC Naples. They will now be led by the UK and Italy, respectively, according to a press release.

Germany and Poland will lead the third command, JFC Brunssum, on a rotational basis.

The US will instead take over the leadership of the three permanent headquarters for the various branches of defense, and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) will continue to be an American. Today, the position is filled by Alexus Grynkewich.

The changes are in line with repeated demands from US President Donald Trump that Europe must take greater responsibility in NATO.