The Pentagon intends to move more swiftly than anticipated regarding the partial withdrawal of US involvement in the joint defense of Europe. This information, reported by “Welt am Sonntag” citing a high-ranking US Department of Defense official, indicates that during the upcoming NATO Force-Sourcing Conference in June, allied nations will be informed about the specific military capacities the United States plans to cease providing or limit its support for in European defense.
According to the representative, these changes will be integrated into the US troop and capability offerings at the next NATO Force-Sourcing Conference. The stated goal is to establish the prerequisites for a rapid transition, giving allies the “necessary information and clarity” to push forward the “transition to European defense”-a transition where allies assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe-as quickly and effectively as possible.
The confirmation of concrete reduction plans suggests that Washington is not granting Europe extended transition periods. The Department of Defense representative noted that US President Donald Trump retains the right to “act in any situation as he deems appropriate”. Furthermore, the Pentagon’s role within the national defense strategy is to “plan proactively for the possibility that the United States will be confronted with multiple conflicts simultaneously”. Officials added that if the US is eventually in a “less tense situation” this will provide “additional room for maneuver”.
While the specific capabilities facing reduction have not yet been publicly disclosed, the newspaper indicates that the focus is on contributions to the NATO Force Model (NFM), the system designed for rapid alliance reinforcement during wartime. However, according to “Welt am Sonntag”, there are growing doubts within US Army Europe regarding NATO’s ability to fully implement regional defense plans utilizing currently available forces.
