The U.S. Again Urges NATO Countries to Increase Military Spending

Reference News Network reported on September 1 According to the French weekly magazine Le Point's website on August 29, Washington is pressuring its European allies to increase military spending. The Financial Times reported that Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby met with NATO ambassadors in Brussels on August 27, urging some countries to accelerate the procurement of key conventional weapon systems, most of which have previously been supplied by the United States.

According to reports, Colby urged European countries to "vigorously promote the acceleration process" to create a NATO force capable of allowing Europe to "lead its own defense," which was the focus of their discussions. He reportedly specifically called on the UK to increase its efforts while affirming Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.

A NATO diplomat pointed out that the assessment of military capabilities of NATO member states by the United States shows "large areas of red alerts," with red indicating capabilities that do not meet standards. Two other sources confirmed that multiple allies' military shortcomings were indeed mentioned during the talks.

According to reports, this criticism comes at a time when the U.S. initiated a review of its military presence in Europe in June. This review is set to conclude in December. Reuters revealed that the Pentagon must submit at least four options for military deployments in Europe to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin by November 6 at the latest. The U.S. military's top commander in Europe has finalized plans with Colby to hold a situation briefing on September 18.

Reports indicate that the review focuses on base usage rights, airspace transit permissions, and logistical support for U.S. military operations, while also covering space, cyber, and intelligence infrastructure. This has raised concerns in Europe about the possibility that the review's results could lead to U.S. troop withdrawals or the removal of military equipment.

It is reported that Washington has also formally inquired in writing with NATO ambassadors about their respective governments' situations: whether their countries hinder or restrict U.S. military use of bases? Whether they procure U.S. weapons? Whether their governments "publicly support" Trump's foreign policy?

Colby explained during his visit to Brussels, "We want to hear directly from our allies in writing."

Reports state that prior to this pressure, the 32 NATO member countries had already committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of their national GDP by 2035, with 3.5% allocated for core military spending. According to NATO estimates, only five countries are expected to meet this target this year. (Translated by Wang Zhongju)