NATO announced on July 3 (local time) that it has now filled most of the security gaps created by the reduction of U.S. forces stationed in Europe.
John Stringer, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stated in an interview with Bloomberg TV that day, "European allies have certainly stepped up to fill the adjustments in U.S. forces in Europe," emphasizing that this demonstrates "a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO."
Since the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, the U.S. has consistently criticized NATO for allegedly "free-riding" on U.S. security and has openly discussed plans to reduce U.S. troops in Europe, citing the need to effectively respond to various conflicts around the world.
Last month, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth attended a NATO defense ministers' meeting and announced that the U.S. would conduct a review of the U.S. troop presence in Europe over the next six months, which came as another shock to the continent.
Stringer explained that if Europe cannot provide an equivalent number of troops to replace reduced U.S. assets, it will utilize other assets to achieve a commensurate effect.
He added, "Burden-sharing in Europe is being carried out in a rational and proportional manner based on military logic."
Meanwhile, regarding the resignation of British Defence Secretary John Healey over his government's lack of commitment to increasing defense spending, Stringer noted, "All 32 NATO member nations have agreed to increase defense spending to 3.5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035 and to develop credible plans to achieve this."
He further stated, "No one is exempt from this goal," adding, "That is what we have agreed upon, and this clearly includes the United Kingdom."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)