NATO chief says US troop adjustments in Europe will be gradual, structured

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Wednesday that anticipated changes to the US military presence in Europe will be carried out gradually and in a structured way, without affecting the alliance’s defense plans. Speaking before a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden, Rutte said the alliance is entering a new phase in burden-sharing, with Europe and Canada increasing defense investments and military commitments while Washington adjusts its strategic posture. “Part of keeping this alliance strong involves shifting responsibilities. Moving away from unhealthy over-reliance on one ally to a fairer sharing of the responsibility for our collective security,” he said. “Europe and Canada are stepping up.”

US force posture and NATO summit

Rutte acknowledged that changes in US force posture should be anticipated as Washington redirects strategic focus toward Asia. He emphasized that adjustments will involve rotational forces and will not affect NATO’s defense plans. The US will remain committed to European security, including through nuclear deterrence and conventional military contributions. The foreign ministers’ meeting will help prepare for the NATO summit in Türkiye this July, where leaders are expected to focus on defense spending, military capabilities, and defense industrial production. “The question is no longer whether we need to do more. The question is how quickly allies can turn commitments into capabilities,” Rutte said.