US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of US military presence in Europe during a NATO defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels on June 18, 2026. The move follows warnings that the alliance has been a “paper tiger” and demands that European members increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Hegseth’s Six-Month Review of US Troop Presence
The US is shifting its posture in Europe from a primary provider of security to a supervisor of European capabilities. Tagesschau reports that Pete Hegseth has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of US troop stationing and presence across the continent. This six-month investigation aims to ensure the alliance moves “quickly and irrevocably” toward a model where Europe assumes the primary responsibility for its own defense.
Hegseth’s rhetoric suggests a profound frustration with the historical distribution of burdens within the alliance, specifically regarding the reliance on American logistics and personnel to maintain deterrence on the eastern flank.
“NATO has been a paper tiger and a one-way street for too long, but that ends now.”Pete Hegseth, US Defense Secretary, via Tagesschau
The US Secretary of Defense specifically referenced the start of the Iran war, noting instances where Spain and Italy declined to grant US fighter jets access to their bases. He argued that too many NATO states still believe they can remain “free riders” while relying on American hardware and personnel for deterrence. This critique targets the diplomatic friction that arises when member states’ national interests conflict with US strategic operational needs during active conflicts.
The NATO Force Model and Immediate US Cuts
While Hegseth manages the political pressure, the operational reality is already shifting. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that cuts to US military contingents within the alliance’s crisis response forces are effective immediately.
However, Rutte has attempted to frame these reductions as a technical adjustment rather than a strategic abandonment. According to Spiegel, these cuts occur within the “NATO Force Model,” a planning instrument that dictates which member states hold specific capabilities and how quickly they can be deployed.
The NATO Force Model serves as a capability-based framework designed to ensure the alliance can respond to crises with the right mix of troops, equipment, and logistics. Unlike a standing army, it is a blueprint for readiness and availability. Rutte emphasized that the Force Model is a blueprint, not a final commitment for wartime. He asserted that in the event of an actual conflict, all allies—including the US—would “max out” their capabilities to ensure victory.
Despite this reassurance, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has called for more clarity. Kubilius told Spiegel that Europe needs a precise understanding of the scale and speed at which the US intends to shift its resources away from the continent, suggesting that technical adjustments to a planning model may not sufficiently address the strategic gap left by departing US personnel.
The 5% GDP Spending Target by 2035
The US is leveraging its troop presence to force a massive increase in European defense budgets. The current targets, established during a June 2025 summit in The Hague, represent a significant leap from previous 2% benchmarks that had served as the alliance’s primary spending guideline for years.
As reported by Welt, the new requirements are divided into two categories:
- Base Defense Spending: Minimum 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
- Defense-Related Expenditures: An additional 1.5% of GDP.
- Total Commitment: 5% of GDP dedicated to security and defense.
By separating “base spending” from “defense-related expenditures,” the US is expanding the definition of what constitutes a contribution to security, potentially including infrastructure or cyber-defense initiatives. Hegseth warned that US contributions will decrease if other nations fail to meet these marks. He noted that while some countries are making progress, others have failed the “test” set by President Donald Trump. The US is now monitoring these expenditures closely, with Hegseth stating that some countries will pass the test “with flying colors” while others will fail.
Germany’s $400 Million Ukraine Commitment
Amidst the pressure to increase domestic spending, Germany is attempting to demonstrate its leadership through direct support for Ukraine. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced a new $400 million contribution to fund American weapon systems and munitions.
| Allocation | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Air Defense Munitions | $200 Million | Urgent ammunition for air defense systems |
| Patriot Missiles | $200 Million | Procurement of additional steering missiles |
Pistorius argued that the momentum currently favors Ukraine and that support cannot waver for “a single second.” This move aligns with Germany’s broader strategy to act as a primary pillar of the new European security architecture, providing immediate operational support to Ukraine while the country seeks more time for an orderly transition of military responsibilities from the US to European command.
The Shift Toward NATO 3.0
The overarching goal of these reviews and cuts is the creation of “NATO 3.0,” a version of the alliance centered on the motto “share responsibility.” This isn’t just about money; it’s about the conventional leadership of European soil.
According to DIE ZEIT, Secretary General Mark Rutte has been candid about the absurdity of the current dependency. He remarked that it is “somewhat strange” that Europe still requires significant help from a country eight flight hours away with 350 million people to defend itself against a neighbor with 140 million people.
The strategic division of labor is becoming clearer: the US will continue to provide the nuclear umbrella—which Rutte described as the “top guarantee”—but expects Europe and Canada to handle the bulk of conventional deterrence. This means European nations must now prioritize the procurement of high-end conventional capabilities, such as long-range missiles and aircraft, which have traditionally been provided by the US.
The next 30 days will be critical as defense ministers prepare for the NATO summit in Ankara in early July. The central tension remains whether Europe can fill the capability gaps at the speed the US is now demanding.
“The Europeans are filling this now. Some is already done, some still needs to be done. But we are on a good way.”Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, via Tagesschau
