The Times: Trump has named the country he intends to see lead NATO in Europe

US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker has said that Washington is seeking a historic step: to appoint Germany as the leader of NATO forces in Europe. At the Berlin Security Conference on 18 November, he stressed that the long-term ambitious goal of the US is to see a German general as supreme commander of NATO forces (Saceur), The Times writes.

The publication recalls that since 1951, this position has consistently been held by American generals - starting with Dwight Eisenhower. Traditionally, the commander oversees the deployment of US troops in Europe, including the potential use of nuclear weapons, which requires the full confidence of the US president.

Many European capitals see the arrangement as an important symbol of American commitment to Europe's security," The Times notes.

The idea of handing over the post to a European general was first discussed in the White House in the spring, after Trump's return to power, but then the intervention of European diplomats and the US Congress stopped the initiative.

Whitaker stressed that the US remains "unwavering" in its support for NATO's key Article 5 on mutual defence and praised Germany's contribution to the alliance's new goals of spending 3.5 percent of GDP on arms and another 1.5 percent on broader security issues by 2029. However, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius admitted that the target will actually be only partially achieved - around 3.05% of GDP.

Germany is a shining example for the rest of the allies. It is time to step up and strengthen NATO's deterrent by supporting Ukraine," Whitaker said, while noting the risks that a ceasefire in Ukraine could reduce European resolve to invest in defence.

We will have to continue to invest in capabilities over the next decade. The NATO alliance will look very different in ten years if we can implement this plan," he added.