U.S. sounds out NATO allies over Europe force review
The U.S. government is pressuring NATO allies to take greater responsibility for European defense as the Pentagon reviews its military posture on the continent. Officials are seeking increased financial commitments and better access to European military bases.
Why it matters
This reflects a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward isolationism and a demand for European strategic autonomy.
A senior Pentagon official pressed NATO allies Thursday (August 27, 2026) to explain how they were stepping up to meet U.S. demands to take responsibility for Europe's defence as Washington reviews its forces on the continent.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has raised fears among allies that it could cut back its forces in Europe after launching a six-month review in July of its deployments.
"The spirit that we come in is obviously one... of consultation, of engagement. We want to hear from our allies," U.S. Defence Under Secretary Elbridge Colby said on a visit for talks with NATO's headquarters in Brussels.
Washington has sent out a questionnaire asking European countries to show how they are making strides towards taking the lead on protecting their continent after agreeing to ramp up military budgets massively.
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