The move, described by a diplomat as “a practical recognition of the redistribution of responsibilities,” is part of a new distribution of top positions that will give greater prominence to European countries.

The NATO Joint Command in Naples, responsible for the southern flank, will be transferred to Italy. The Norfolk Command (USA), which oversees the north and transatlantic security, will be led by the United Kingdom, sources specified.

Local analysts interpret the decision within the context of Washington’s stated intention to reduce its deployment in Europe and refocus efforts on the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing that the US will maintain strategic control by retaining key positions, such as that of Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).

The reassignment, whose implementation will take months, comes as NATO seeks a balance between collective defense in Europe and the global priorities of its main military partner.

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