NATO Allies Seek Clarity on US Troop Review as Pentagon Briefing Looms

Senior European diplomats are expected to use a Thursday briefing with the Pentagon's top policy official to underscore their increased defence contributions, as questions mount over a US review of its military footprint in Europe.

The six-month review, announced in June, has unsettled NATO members. Washington has pushed for Europe to assume primary responsibility for its own defence, and the process has left allies unsure whether it is a genuine consultation, a symbolic gesture, or a negotiating tool.

"We don't know if it's a real exercise or if a decision has already been taken," one European official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "What we want to make sure is that the U.S. understands it can rely on many allies."

The uncertainty has been compounded by documents circulated to NATO members over the summer. A "terms of reference" paper lists goals such as enhanced access, basing, and overflight rights, as well as incentivising European allies to take the lead in defending the continent. A separate questionnaire, seen by wire service, probes allies on defence spending, procurement, and support for US foreign policy priorities.

One question asks whether countries have placed restrictions on US access, basing, or overflight, and whether they would be willing to reduce or eliminate them. Another queries whether nations have publicly opposed measures that could inhibit transatlantic defence industrial cooperation.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed his country is preparing its response, adding that "Estonia shares the view that Europe needs to do more for its own defence."

Elbridge Colby, the US Under Secretary of Defense for Policy leading the review, has said the effort is designed to support the alliance's evolution, describing it as advancing a "NATO 3.0" rededicated to clarity, rigour, and readiness.

However, some European diplomats believe Washington already knows the answers to its questions, and view the apparent linking of basing issues to political stances as a highly transactional approach. There is also concern that the process could become a competition among allies for US attention.

"Some allies are making offers to the U.S. to improve terms for troops and basing rights," said one European official. Another diplomat stressed the importance of keeping the alliance's top commander involved and ensuring "the review doesn't become a beauty contest."

While some Eastern European officials report "promising signals" from Washington and have sent extensive responses to the questionnaire, there remains a sense that US thinking is unpredictable. As one NATO source put it, "Whatever he says might be overruled by Trump or Hegseth within 20 minutes."