The administration of President Donald Trump is said to be preparing to inform NATO allies about a plan to narrow down the size of military forces that the US may mobilize to support Europe in the event of a major crisis or military conflict.
According to Reuters sources, the announcement is expected to be made this week, at a meeting of NATO defense policy leaders in Brussels. The plan relates to a mechanism called "NATO Force Model", in which member states identify military resources that can be activated when the alliance faces war or major emergencies, such as an attack on NATO members.
Although the specific composition of the wartime forces is kept secret, the Pentagon has decided to significantly cut US commitments within this framework. Sources say this step clearly reflects Mr. Trump's long-standing view that European countries need to take on the main role in protecting the continent's security instead of relying on Washington.
It is not yet clear the speed of transferring crisis response responsibilities to US European allies. However, this plan is seen as a priority part of the defense policy task force led by Mr. Elbridge Colby ahead of the NATO summit scheduled to take place in Turkey in July.
Mr. Colby once publicly affirmed that the US still maintains its commitment to using nuclear deterrence capabilities to protect NATO members, even though European allies will have to play a larger role in conventional military forces.
According to sources, the US is likely to be represented at the meeting in Brussels by Mr. Alex Velez-Green, Mr. Colby's close aide.
NATO has not yet commented directly on this information and has forwarded the request for response to the US. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has not issued an official statement.
Information about the possibility of the US narrowing its military commitments appears in the context that the NATO alliance is under unprecedented pressure. Some European countries are concerned that Washington may go further and reduce its military presence in Europe in the future.
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has announced plans to cut about 5,000 US troops in Europe, including the decision to cancel the deployment of a military brigade to Poland. This move is surprising and has faced criticism from many US senators.
A source said that US Congressional aides have known and expressed concern about Washington's plan to narrow its obligations in the "NATO Force Model".
Mr. Trump and many assistants have repeatedly criticized European allies for insufficient defense spending and excessive dependence on the US in conventional defense. The US administration also emphasized that Washington still maintains tens of thousands of troops in Europe.
On the European side, NATO allies believe that they are rapidly strengthening military capabilities, but this process cannot be completed in a short time.
