Verteidigung: USA legen Alliierten Fragebogen zu Reformplänen für Nato vor

The United States has sent a questionnaire to NATO allies as part of a review of their troop presence in Europe. US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby explained during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Brussels that the aim was to consult the allies "directly and in writing" regarding the concept of "NATO 3.0".

This model envisions European allies taking primary responsibility for conventional defense in Europe and shouldering the majority of the required forces. While the US will continue to provide nuclear protection for the alliance, they intend to focus their conventional capabilities on a limited and more targeted contribution. Colby stated that the changes are necessary for Washington to focus its military resources more on defending the US and the Western Hemisphere, as well as providing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Specific questions in the questionnaire were not disclosed, but sources from NATO countries suggest they cover topics such as increased responsibility in the Nato command structure and political sensitive issues like arms purchases from US companies and existing restrictions for US forces in Europe. The latter was recently an issue after the start of the Iran war, as countries like Spain prohibited US military activities in the country for the war.

Concerns also arise in European countries that the US will withdraw troops primarily from countries that do not sufficiently support US President Donald Trump's policies. Rutte viewed the consultations and review process positively, stating that it is about a stronger Europe and Canada in a stronger NATO. By 2025, Canadians and Europeans will have spent an additional 139 billion dollars on defense.

There is also positive development in military capabilities and taking up leadership positions. Colby explicitly praised investments by countries like Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.