The United States acknowledges that in the future, Germany may take command of NATO forces in Europe. This was stated by President Donald Trump's envoy to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, as reported by The Times.
In his comments at the Berlin Security Conference on Tuesday evening, Whitaker said that Washington's long-term "ambitious goal" is for Berlin to appoint the Supreme Commander of the Allied Armed Forces of NATO in Europe.
Throughout NATO's history, starting from 1951, this position has invariably been held by a four-star general from the United States. Since July, this position has been held by U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grinkevich.
The U.S. ambassador praised Germany for helping to align a new NATO goal for allies to spend 3.5% of GDP on armed forces and another 1.5% on broader security issues.
Whitaker called Berlin a "shining example" for other allies and urged them to "step up" and emulate the Germans in "enhancing the Alliance's deterrent capability and... supporting Ukraine."
"Perhaps in 15 years, or maybe sooner, we will be having this discussion, during which Europe will say it is ready to take on the real leadership that the United States has demonstrated over the past 76 years (since NATO's founding)," added the U.S. representative.
In response, Lieutenant General Wolfgang Wiene, Germany's representative on NATO's Military Committee, said he was "somewhat surprised" by this proposal.
France's reaction to the possibility of serving under German command is also unknown.
