The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced that European allies have largely filled the power gaps resulting from the reduction of U.S. troops stationed in Europe.
In an interview with Bloomberg TV on July 3, NATO's Deputy Commander for European Allied Forces, John Stringer, stated, "European allies have certainly taken proactive steps to fill the gaps created by the adjustment of U.S. forces in Europe." He added that this reflects a process of creating a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO.
Previously, the United States had indicated plans to significantly reduce the number of troops and military assets it would deploy in Europe in the event of war or crisis. In response, NATO's military leadership requested that European member states clearly outline the forces they could provide, which had not yet been confirmed.
Since taking office, President Donald Trump has criticized NATO allies for free-riding on security and has pressured them to increase defense spending. Concerns in Europe grew last month when U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. troop levels in Europe, raising the possibility of further reductions.
Stringer explained that in areas where Europe cannot match U.S. military capabilities, they are exploring the use of alternative military assets to achieve similar effects. He emphasized that the sharing and adjustment of defense burdens are being done "in a rational and proportional manner according to military logic," noting that European allies have been responsive to changes in U.S. priorities.
NATO military spokesman Colonel Martin L. O'Donnell also stated, "In the air and maritime domains, Europe has stepped up sufficiently, and in fact, has exceeded 100% in some cases." He pointed out that in certain areas, European allies possess equipment that is comparable to or even superior to that of the U.S., citing Bulgaria's planned acquisition of F-16 fighter jets as an example.
Additionally, Stringer addressed the controversy surrounding the UK's defense spending, stating, "All 32 member countries have agreed to spend 3.5% of their GDP on core defense by 2035 and to establish a reliable path to reach that goal." He emphasized, "There are no exceptions to this issue; that is what we agreed upon, and the UK is certainly included."
Regarding the UK's announced defense investment plan, he remarked, "It aligns perfectly with NATO's view that our military must advance to deter and defend the 1 billion citizens of member countries." He concluded, "NATO expects all member countries, including the UK, to uphold their commitments."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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