The United States has launched a review of its military presence in Europe, a move aimed at shifting greater responsibility for conventional defence onto European NATO allies. The decision follows months of criticism from the Trump administration over what it sees as insufficient European contributions, including during the war in Iran.
US Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby said the review would ensure NATO moves “fast and irreversibly” towards Europe taking the lead in its own defence. The announcement follows comments by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth last month, when he warned allies that some countries would need to increase their efforts or risk falling short.
The move, while expected, has unsettled European partners already adapting to uncertainty over Washington’s long-term security commitments. Leaders including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have stressed the need for Europe to strengthen its own defence capabilities and reduce reliance on the US. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance must become “more European” while maintaining a strong transatlantic partnership.
via Euronews
