US sounds out NATO allies over Europe force review

A senior Pentagon official urged NATO allies on Thursday (Aug 27) to explain how they are stepping up to meet US demands for responsibility in Europe's defense as Washington reviews its forces on the continent. President Donald Trump's administration has raised concerns among allies about potential cuts to its forces in Europe following a six-month review launched in July.

Defense Under Secretary Elbridge Colby, during a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels, emphasized the need for consultation and engagement with allies.

Colby stated that Washington has sent out a questionnaire requesting European countries to demonstrate their progress in taking primary responsibility for their continent's conventional defense. The administration seeks to advance and accelerate developments while reviewing the strategic posture of US forces in Europe. Key areas of discussion include access, basing, and overflights, areas where progress has been made, but further work is necessary.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg assured Colby that European allies are making progress by increasing defense spending and acquiring essential capabilities. However, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done. European countries have agreed to allocate five percent of their GDP to security-related spending by 2035, as demanded by President Trump.

Simultaneously, the Pentagon has informed allies about plans to reduce the number of assets available for NATO's defense plans, including the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, though Trump later decided to send the same number of troops to Poland.