The resignation of SACEUR would be a major symbolic shift in the balance of power in NATO, an alliance that has defined European security and peace since World War II.
For 75 years, it has been a clear American responsibility to have a four-star general oversee all NATO military operations in Europe. The command dates back to the time of World War II hero and future US president Dwight D. Eisenhower. But the Trump administration is considering changing that commitment. NBC News reported on Monday, citing two defense officials familiar with the planning. The Pentagon is undertaking a major restructuring of the US military’s combat commands and staff. And one of the plans under consideration, the two defense officials told NBC, would involve the US stepping down from the role of NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe – known in military parlance as SACEUR.
The general in this role, who also serves as head of U.S. European Command, has been the top commander overseeing support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The current commander, Army General Christopher G. Cavoli, has played a key role in the US response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a war that Trump is trying to end. But his role has also been invaluable in facing the challenging period in the Western Balkans Region, with absolutely vital decision-making. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe announced last year, at about the same time, the decision to send additional forces to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo, including heavy artillery, stating that they are facing “challenging times, especially in the European ‘theater'”. “We have conducted a review of the plan and it has shown us that we need not only more forces, but also heavy NATO artillery to be deployed in the Region. Troops in Bosnia and Herzegovina and KFOR forces in Kosovo need to be increased to monitor and detect threats against them”, General Cavoli told US senators at the time.
The resignation of SACEUR would be a major symbolic shift in the balance of power in NATO, an alliance that has defined European security and peace since World War II.
“For the United States to relinquish the role of NATO’s supreme allied commander would be seen in Europe as a significant signal of departure from the alliance,” said retired Admiral James Stavridis, who served as head of European Command from 2009 to 2013. According to the senior military officer, the Americans would lose a huge amount of influence within NATO and this “would be seen, rightly, as perhaps the first step towards a complete departure from the Alliance.” Since Eisenhower inaugurated the post, it has been held by some of the country’s most prominent military leaders.
In addition to Stavridis, they include Alexander Haig, who was also chief of staff to two presidents and secretary of state for a third; John Shalikashvili, who became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Not to mention Wesley Clark, who served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 1997 to 2000, commanding Operation Allied Force during the Kosovo War.
The proposed restructuring comes as the Trump administration has slashed spending and staffing across the federal government. President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have made clear that the new administration wants European partners to take more responsibility for defending Europe. If the U.S. steps down as SACEUR, other NATO countries would likely choose among themselves which country will take over the commander. The timeline for SACEUR’s move, if it happens, is still unclear. Army Gen. Chris Cavoli has a three-year term that ends this summer. The Republican chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees warned Trump on Thursday not to interfere with the military structure behind NATO’s top command post.
The joint statement from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) is one of the strongest warnings from Republicans yet about Trump’s plans to potentially reorganize parts of the government.
“We will not accept significant changes to our warfighting structure that are made without a rigorous interagency process, coordination with combatant commanders and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and cooperation with Congress,” the two leaders said in a joint statement. European leaders also began summit talks in Brussels on defense and the economy on Thursday, which are expected to last until the evening. With recent developments, the Union’s focus has shifted to the Western Balkans, mentioning “partner” countries such as Albania, North Macedonia or Montenegro, which are cited in the European defense document planned until 2030. But Washington’s presence and dictate in the Region remains essential for countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.
If the published planning for the Pentagon’s movements is made official, then the EU should be called upon to pay increased attention to the Region, amidst geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.
