Verteidigung: USA fordern Klartext von Nato-Partnern - Lob für Deutschland

The United States expects clarity from NATO allies regarding their defense policy commitments. To achieve this, the US Defense Policy Assistant Elbridge Colby sent questionnaire to the alliance members during a visit to NATO headquarters in Brussels. Colby explained that the query aimed at consulting the allies "directly and in writing" in the context of the "NATO 3.0" concept.

The questionnaire provides the allies with an opportunity to clearly communicate what Washington believes they should know. "We are playing with open cards," Colby said, "We have already received several filled questionnaires and look forward to evaluating them." The NATO reform aims to give the US more flexibility. Under "NATO 3.0", European allies would take on the main responsibility for conventional defense in Europe and provide the majority of the forces needed for it.

The US would still provide its nuclear umbrella but would focus on a limited and more targeted contribution to conventional capabilities. Colby explained that this change is necessary as Washington needs to focus its military resources more on defending the US and the western hemisphere and deterring in the Indo-Pacific. Specific examples of questions in the questionnaire were not disclosed.

Among the topics are willingness to take on more responsibility in the NATO command structure, political sensitive issues such as arms procurement from US companies, their stance on US foreign policy priorities, and existing restrictions for US forces in Europe. Colby stated that the US does not demand a complete blank check in every situation, but one must be able to operate effectively and require predictability.

The lack of predictability during Operation Epic Fury, the US military operation against Iran, led to justified frustration of President Donald Trump. Concerning arms procurement, the US criticism of European efforts for "Made in Europe" in the defense industry is suspected. Colby emphasized that European companies and governments invest in Europe, but US companies should not be disadvantaged or excluded from the European market.

The number of US bases in Europe that could be reduced or closed during the ongoing review of US troop presence was not disclosed. Colby said that answers and offers of the allies would be evaluated first. The review is expected to be completed by December at the latest. Diplomats' concern is that the US might punish countries that do not share Trump's priorities.

In some European alliance states, there is worry that the US could penalize countries that do not align with Trump's priorities. The most significant concern is that US troops in many regions are an important economic factor. Germany was praised as a role model for other allies. Colby explained that the changes Germany has undergone in the past 18 months constitute an "extraordinary geological shift", a "historical transformation".

Germany has moved from widespread demilitarization to a very rapid rearmament and is characterized by a high degree of cooperation and result-oriented discussions about joint arms production and other forms of cooperation. Colby also mentioned General Inspector Carsten Breuer's visit to the Pentagon at the beginning of August, where he briefed the US on Germany's new military strategy and defense plans.

He stated that this is what they expect from their allies, including Japan and Canada. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte evaluated the consultations and the review process positively. "It's about a stronger Europe and a stronger Canada in a stronger NATO," he said in a brief public appearance with Colby.