The US threatens to freeze its quota in NATO and announces a review of bases in Europe

BrusselsThe United States administration has once again attacked European allies from Brussels. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday a new review of the deployment of American troops in Europe and threatened to stop paying its NATO dues until all allies fulfill their defense spending commitments. Spain, for example, has refused to commit to reaching 5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, as demanded by the White House. "Some countries have not yet shown a credible path to meeting commitments made in The Hague. Too much talk," lamented the American leader.

According to Hegseth, speaking before the defense ministers of the Atlantic Alliance, the review is to last six months and will include consultations with the U.S. Congress, which is the body that must determine the minimum number of United States troops assigned to Europe. While he did not explicitly state that the review would lead to a reduction in personnel, he assured that it would affect U.S. bases in Europe. "Make no mistake, this will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure NATO moves quickly and irreversibly towards Europe's leadership, taking responsibility for Europe's defense," he concluded.

Accompanied by the loyal NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, Hegseth praised the efforts of the other partners to rearm, but criticized that "some" European countries "can still do more" in terms of military spending and warned that Donald Trump's administration will be "honest and sincere" in pressuring them to increase their efforts, "both publicly and privately."

In his usual tone, Hegseth told Europeans that defense problems are a consequence of prioritizing misguided policies. "Instead of tanks and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equality, climate change, and defense austerity," said the secretary, who once again attacked European immigration policy, a common criticism of the Trump administration. "European borders have been thrown wide open, the welfare state has expanded, but defense budgets have collapsed. Just as Europe's faith in itself and its civilization has collapsed," he said.

Difficulties of European Allies

Rutte has confirmed that the withdrawal of United States military capabilities Spain was the only ally that refused to agree to spend 5% of GDP on defense, but now it seems it is no longer alone. Although the rest committed to it, the governments of Italy and the United Kingdom have shown signs that they will not be able to comply with this large increase. They have also admitted the complications of countries like Slovakia, Hungary, or the Czech Republic.

An "immediate" withdrawal

Rutte has confirmed that the withdrawal of United States military capabilities on the European continent will be “immediate” and that European partners have already begun to supply them. “Europeans are filling this gap. Part of this is already done, and another part is in process. We are working on it and, of course, we still have work to do,” he assured.

The Dutch leader, however, denied that this leaves the European continent unprotected in the midst of the war in Ukraine and explained that Washington would activate in any case if an ally were attacked. “What would happen in reality if a war broke out? Let's assume a situation arises where Article 5 needs to be invoked. Then all allies, including the US, would give their utmost to ensure we can wage war,” he clarified.

The US Secretary of Defense also took advantage of the meeting in Brussels to criticize the allies' role during the Iran war and criticized them for not giving him air bases or ports to attack the Islamic Republic, which were closer to their military objectives. "It was a disgrace, these allies put the sons and daughters of America, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them air access that should never have been questioned," he lamented.

On this issue, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Margarita Robles, justified Spain's decision because, in her opinion, the war with Iran was contrary to international law. "We will never support any military action that does not have the support of international law," she assured. On the other hand, the minister defended that Spain is already preparing for a withdrawal of US troops on Spanish territory and assured that her government is fulfilling the acquired commitments for military spending. To illustrate this, she reported that she has offered NATO three more refueling planes, eight fighter jets, and a frigate.

On the other hand, the NATO Secretary General celebrated the pact that was formalized this Wednesday between the United States and Iran, and praised the work of the President of the United States in limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities. "This is what the US has done with this measure, basically since the end of February: ensuring that nuclear capability is being weakened in Iran," remarked the Dutch leader.