The United States on Tuesday launched a six-month review of its military presence in Europe, which will determine the future number of American troops and the amount of weapons and military equipment stationed on the continent. This was reported by a senior representative of the US Department of Defense.
US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby wrote on X that “this will be a real review aimed at ensuring a rapid and irreversible transition of NATO to a model where Europe takes primary responsibility for its own conventional defense.” The start of the six-month review was first announced by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in June during a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
The review comes as Washington has already begun withdrawing some American troops from Germany and reducing its participation in NATO force planning. These changes also impact advanced military capabilities, including fighters, refueling aircraft, maritime patrol aircraft, and naval forces.
“The result of this review will be to accelerate NATO’s transition to a stronger, fairer, and more resilient alliance,” Colby said, who coined the term “NATO 3.0.” According to him, this “will put NATO on the path to long-term and sustainable success, especially in the face of simultaneous challenges on different theaters of war.”
Lobbying of the eastern flank and Poland’s plans
NATO’s eastern flank countries are already lobbying Washington to maintain the American military presence and military equipment on their territory.
Poland is actively negotiating with the US administration for a permanent American military presence. Last week, the Polish Ministry of Defense reported that it had prepared a draft law on the financing of American military bases.
Washington will conduct the review in coordination with the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Forces, General Alexus Grynkewich. The US will also consult with European allies and Congress, which has legislatively defined the minimum number of American troops that must remain in Europe.
Source: Politico
