US Presses NATO Allies on Europe Defence Force Review
· World · The Hindu, The Independent
US Defence Under Secretary Elbridge Colby met NATO officials in Brussels on Thursday, pressing European allies to show how they are stepping up to take responsibility for the continent's conventional defence. The talks are part of a six-month review of US force deployments in Europe, announced by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth in June after Washington expressed anger at restrictions European nations placed on US forces using their bases during the war with Iran. Washington has circulated a questionnaire to NATO members asking them to demonstrate progress on military spending and capability acquisition. Colby framed the review as a "consultation" aimed at accelerating Europe's transition to primary responsibility for its own defence, while also examining US access, basing, and overflight arrangements on the continent. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pushed back, insisting allies were making progress by ramping up defence budgets and acquiring key capabilities.
Why it matters
A potential US troop drawdown in Europe would reshape transatlantic security at a time when NATO is already under strain from the Iran conflict, and could force European capitals to rapidly expand defence budgets and independent military capabilities.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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