Brussels (Belgium) (AFP) – NATO chief Mark Rutte said Wednesday that the United States was not stepping back from Europe by announcing cuts to the forces it makes available to the alliance. “In some cases this has been cast as a problem — as the US pulling away from its allies. But that is not the reality,” Rutte said on the eve of a meeting of NATO defence ministers. Washington has told allies it is reducing the assets it puts at the disposal of NATO commanders as it expects European countries to take “primary responsibility” for their own conventional defence.
“The US has adjusted its pledges to the NATO Force Model,” Rutte said. “This is not primarily about where forces and assets are currently, but about who would do what if our defence plans were activated.” US and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 jets designated for NATO, plus refuelling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, and drones. The reports said a submarine that can launch cruise missiles is also being taken out, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
The US move has sparked fear it could leave Europe vulnerable in the face of an aggressive Russia as questions swirl over US President Donald Trump’s commitment to the alliance. Multiple European diplomats insisted that Europe could step up to replace the capabilities that the US was cutting, if they are given enough time to fill the gaps. “Historically this was overly reliant on the US. Now the US has adjusted its pledged contributions — and other Allies have stepped up to contribute more,” Rutte said.
The NATO chief said the United States had “made clear that the US nuclear deterrent is solid.” “And that it is crucial that Europe and Canada do more on the conventional front, understanding that the US has obligations around the globe that it needs to account for,” he said.
NATO leaders are gearing up for a summit with Trump in Turkey next month, at which Europe wants to show it is making good on its pledge to ramp up defence spending. There were concerns that the war with Iran could overshadow the summit, after Trump blasted European allies over their response to the conflict. Rutte hailed the US-Iran deal to end the Middle East war, which European diplomats say they hope will draw a line under the disagreements ahead of the Ankara summit. “The deal President Trump struck has created an opportunity to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon,” he said. “The restoration of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be a massive step forward. I know that many Allies – through the initiative led by France and the UK – are ready to support.”
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