Looming US troop cuts in Europe raise questions about Nato’s future
Following commitments to increase defence spending, Europe is cautiously optimistic for ‘no surprises’ as Trump reviews US military deployments
After keeping Donald Trump happy with a pledge to up defence spending at Nato’s summit, Europe is now bracing for a key decision from the US president on the future of American forces on the continent.
Washington is currently conducting a review of its military deployments worldwide – set to be unveiled in the coming months – and the expectation is it will lead to drawdowns in Europe.
That prospect is fraying the nerves of US allies, especially as fears swirl that Russia could look to attack a Nato country within the next few years if the war in Ukraine dies down.
However, the alliance is basking in Trump’s new-found goodwill following its June summit in The Hague, and his officials are making encouraging noises that Europe will not be left in the lurch.
“We’ve agreed to no surprises and no gaps in the strategic framework of Europe,” said Matthew Whitaker, US ambassador to Nato, adding he expected the review to come out in “late summer, early fall”.
“I have daily conversations with our allies about the process,” he said.