US begins review of military presence in Europe, officials say

The United States began reviewing its military presence in Europe on July 27, officials said, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO counterparts last month that Washington was planning the analysis.

US Defense Under Secretary Elbridge Colby wrote on X that the review was intended to ensure NATO was moving toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense. Colby said the outcome would accelerate NATO's transition to what he called a stronger, more equitable and sustainable alliance.

Washington has told European allies it wants NATO members on the continent to take over primary responsibility for their own conventional defense as the US focus shifts toward China.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised European allies over their response to the war in Iran, including refusals to let US forces use their bases at the start of the conflict. Hegseth has also threatened to reduce Washington's NATO spending unless allies meet defense spending targets.

As part of the shift, the Pentagon has already told allies it is reducing the number of assets worldwide that it makes available for NATO operations.