Washington (HRNW)- The United States has begun a formal review of its military presence in Europe and its defense responsibilities under NATO, with the aim of encouraging European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense.
US officials said the review is intended to ensure that European countries assume a more active role in fulfilling their traditional defense obligations.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby described the initiative as a comprehensive review that would help reshape NATO into an alliance where Europe bears the primary responsibility for its conventional defense.
Colby said the review is expected to contribute to building a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable NATO alliance in which all member states share defense responsibilities more equally.
The review comes as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized European allies over defense spending. Trump also recently voiced frustration over some European countries not allowing US forces to use their military bases during the recent conflict involving Iran.
US Defense Secretary Pat Hegseth has previously warned that Washington could reduce its defense spending and support for NATO if member states fail to meet agreed defense spending targets.
According to US officials, the Pentagon has already informed its allies that it is reducing the number of US military resources and assets available for NATO operations worldwide as part of this broader policy.
Defense analysts say the outcome of the review could have significant implications for the future of the US military presence in Europe, NATO’s strategic direction, European security, and Washington’s global defense posture.
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