U.S. deputy defense secretary to brief NATO on review of American forces in Europe
Elbridge Colby will update national ambassadors in Brussels amid European concern over Washington's six-month review
High-level European diplomats plan to meet tomorrow with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby to press Washington for clarity about the Pentagon’s ongoing review of American forces in Europe, senior officials said.
The United States announced in June that it had launched a six-month review of U.S. military missions across Europe as the Trump administration has pushed for European states to assume greater responsibility for their own defence.
Briefing for NATO envoys in Brussels
Colby, who is leading the review for the Pentagon, is expected to brief national ambassadors to NATO at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. European capitals have voiced concern over the aims of the U.S. review and whether Washington intends the process as a genuine reassessment, a symbolic gesture or a bargaining tool.
A European official said: "We do not know whether this is a genuine review or the decision has already been made." The same official added: "What we want to be sure of is that the United States understands it can truly rely on many allies."
About 80,000 U.S. service members are currently stationed in Europe. In recent months Washington has announced troop withdrawals and reductions in personnel assigned within NATO.
Photo: press material from the event
