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NATO defense ministers concluded a high-stakes meeting in Brussels on June 17-18, 2026, amid the U.S. announcement of a major review of its military presence in Europe. The meeting focused on a potential shift in the alliance’s security structure ahead of next month’s NATO summit in Ankara.

The meeting highlighted growing efforts by European allies to increase defense spending and military capabilities as Washington seeks to reduce what it describes as an overreliance on American military power.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon would conduct a six-month review of U.S. troop deployments across Europe. The review will include consultations with Congress and assess future force requirements as NATO moves toward a model in which European allies assume a larger role in defending the continent.

“Make no mistake about it, this will be a real review,” Hegseth said. “It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly towards Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe.”

US Pushes Stronger European Role

The announcement comes amid broader changes in Washington’s approach to NATO. Earlier this year, the United States informed allies that it would reduce some military capabilities available to the alliance during crises, including certain naval and air assets.

According to NATO officials, the move reflects growing U.S. concerns about the possibility of facing simultaneous security challenges in multiple regions, particularly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

This is NATO 3.0. pic.twitter.com/E5p13UjPBn

— Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) June 18, 2026

Hegseth said NATO must evolve into what he described as “NATO 3.0,” a stronger military alliance capable of defending Europe with greater contributions from European members.

“NATO 3.0 is post-Cold War recognition that it needs to go back to a real hardline military alliance that has real military capabilities capable of deterring right here on the continent and taking the lead for the conventional defense of Europe,” he said.

The U.S. defense chief also criticized allies that failed to support Washington during the recent U.S.-Iran conflict, including countries that reportedly denied basing or overflight rights for military operations.

The troop review, he said, will also examine whether U.S. basing and operational access requirements are adequately supported by allies.

NATO Members Increase Defense Spending

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged that Washington is adjusting its contributions to NATO’s force structure but stressed that the United States remains committed to the alliance.

Rutte said European allies and Canada increased defense spending by more than $90 billion in 2025, representing nearly a 20 percent increase compared to the previous year. “We need more forces, more resources, and a much stronger industrial base,” Rutte said before the ministerial meeting.

He described the current transformation as part of building “a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO,” arguing that increased European contributions would ultimately strengthen the alliance.

The secretary general confirmed that reductions in some U.S. contributions to NATO’s crisis-response forces have already taken effect, prompting several member states to offer additional military capabilities to fill emerging gaps.

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto described the changes as a necessary adjustment for the alliance. “The reorganization of NATO is a rational and necessary process,” Crosetto said. “The European pillar of the Alliance will need to be strengthened.”

He added that the alliance is approaching a “historic turning point” and stressed that all members must fulfill their defense commitments if they expect to benefit from collective security.

Ankara Summit to Shape NATO’s Future

The Brussels meeting served as the final major ministerial gathering before NATO leaders meet in Ankara on July 7-8. Turkish National Defense Minister Yasar Guler described the upcoming summit as a defining moment for the alliance.

“We do not view the NATO Summit that we will host in Ankara merely as a meeting of leaders,” Guler said. “We believe this summit will be an important turning point that demonstrates NATO’s determination to adapt to the evolving security environment and shape its future strategic direction.”

We made good progress during our last meeting of #NATO Defence Ministers before the #NATOsummit in Ankara

There’s strong commitment to get defence spending to 5%. Some Allies will even get there this year

So European Allies & Canada are really stepping up with record increases… pic.twitter.com/eCY2aUJE1K

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) June 18, 2026

According to Guler, discussions in Brussels focused on deterrence, defense planning, support for Ukraine, defense spending targets, and NATO’s future force posture. Turkiye emphasized its role as one of NATO’s largest military contributors and highlighted its efforts to meet the alliance’s defense spending objectives.

Guler said Turkiye’s hosting of the summit reflects its military capabilities, operational experience, and long-standing contributions to NATO missions. He also noted that a Defense Industry Forum will be held alongside the summit to strengthen cooperation between allied defense sectors.

Security Challenges Expand Beyond Conventional Warfare

Officials at the meeting stressed that NATO faces a broader range of threats than during the Cold War era. Guler said conventional military threats are now accompanied by cyberattacks, terrorism, hybrid warfare, energy security risks, and regional instability.

He argued that stronger defense industries across the alliance are essential for maintaining deterrence and military readiness.

“Our indigenous and national systems support allies’ interoperability and contribute to the alliance’s overall deterrence. A strong defense industry means strong deterrence and a strong NATO,” he said.

NATO leaders have increasingly focused on boosting defense production as demand for military equipment continues to rise following years of conflict in Ukraine and growing concerns over global security.

Ukraine Remains Central Issue

Support for Ukraine remained a key topic throughout the ministerial meetings. NATO officials reiterated their commitment to assisting Kyiv as the war with Russia enters its fifth year.

Rutte said allies have provided billions of dollars in military assistance, ammunition, and equipment, and emphasized the importance of maintaining support.

Crosetto also met Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov on the sidelines of the gathering and reaffirmed Italy’s backing for Ukraine. The Italian minister expressed hope that recent diplomatic developments could eventually lead to a lasting ceasefire while preserving Ukraine’s security.

Güler noted that the Russia-Ukraine war continues to affect European security, energy markets, global trade routes, and NATO’s overall strategic agenda.

He also highlighted Turkiye’s role in implementing the Montreux Convention and supporting stability in the Black Sea, describing regional security there as “an inseparable part of Euro-Atlantic security.”

Iran Conflict and Hormuz Security

The recent US-Iran conflict also featured prominently in discussions. Rutte welcomed the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran, saying the restoration of stability and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would improve international security and global trade.

“The restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be a massive step forward,” Rutte said.

Guler similarly welcomed the agreement that ended the conflict and said Türkiye remains ready to support potential mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz if required.

He added that Ankara continues to favor diplomacy and dialogue to reduce regional tensions and prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

As NATO prepares for the Ankara summit, alliance members appear increasingly united around one central message: Europe must assume a larger share of responsibility for its own defense while maintaining the transatlantic partnership that has formed the foundation of NATO for more than seven decades. The decisions taken in Ankara next month are expected to play a major role in determining how that balance is achieved in the years ahead.