US Defence Secretary says NATO allies must increase spending, announces review of forces in Europe
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told NATO on Thursday that the Pentagon will review its force presence in Europe within six months, as he emphasised the need for allies to increase defence spending and address restrictions imposed on US forces during the Iran war.
Addressing a meeting of NATO Defence Ministers in Brussels, Mr. Hegseth said the review is designed to ensure that Europe takes primary responsibility for its own defence. 'It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defence of Europe,' he said. He added that some countries will 'fail' the review, while others will 'pass with flying colours.'
The US Defence Chief also criticised some European nations for imposing restrictions on US forces during the Iran war, calling the actions 'shameful.' He said such restrictions put American service members at risk. The review will aim to clarify access, basing, and overflight rights.
Mr. Hegseth indicated that US contributions to NATO's administrative budget—approximately $790 million in 2026—would be contingent on allies meeting defence spending targets. 'Where other allies do not spend with urgency, our dues contributions will go down,' he said.
Despite the tough language, Mr. Hegseth acknowledged progress by some NATO members in ramping up defences. 'Some of our allies have gotten the message and stepped up. You know who you are, and we very much appreciate it,' he said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the review as 'prudent' and said Mr. Hegseth's role includes maintaining pressure on allies. Mr. Rutte noted that Europe and Canada had spent $90 billion extra on defence compared to 2024.
The US has been pushing European allies to take greater responsibility for conventional defence as Washington focuses on challenges from China. The Pentagon has already informed allies of reductions in assets available for NATO operations, including a reported one-third cut in fighter jets and other aircraft.
Mr. Rutte said that while reductions are 'immediate,' the US would still fully support NATO in case of an attack. 'Then all allies, including the US, will max out what they can do to make sure we can fight the war,' he said.
