Photo: Getty Images
The results of a new US questionnaire sent to NATO allies could be taken into account when Washington decides which American military bases and resources in Europe should be reduced first.
The Trump administration has sent NATO allies and the Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels a questionnaire designed to assess their political, military and economic support for Donald Trump’s foreign policy. NATO representatives in Washington initially received the document, and it was sent to the alliance’s Brussels headquarters this week, Bloomberg reports.
The survey results will be considered before decisions are made on possible reductions in US military resources allocated to European defense.
Washington assesses political loyalty
The questionnaire contains several sections. The first focuses on allies’ support for US foreign policy actions. Countries are asked, among other things, about their positions on US strikes against Iran and the operation to detain Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Allies are also asked whether they publicly support US foreign policy and what restrictions they have imposed on the use of American military bases on their territory.
The White House specifically wants to know whether countries have prohibited US forces from using their air bases and naval ports for strikes against Iran. They are also asked whether they would be prepared to immediately lift such restrictions if the conflict escalates further.
Focus on defense purchases
The second section concerns defense procurement. Washington wants to determine whether NATO members are spending money on products made by US defense companies, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.
The questionnaire also asks whether allies have publicly opposed European initiatives such as “Buy European” rules, which Washington says make it more difficult for US companies to secure contracts.
According to Bloomberg sources, some allies have reacted cautiously to the initiative. They reportedly view it as an attempt by Washington to pressure partners and demand ideological loyalty to the current administration in exchange for US security guarantees.
Bloomberg notes that linking long-term US security commitments to such a definition of political loyalty would represent a fundamental change in postwar transatlantic relations. For decades, those relations have been based on American military guarantees that took precedence over numerous political disagreements among allies.
US reviews its military presence in Europe
The questionnaire was distributed several weeks after the Pentagon began a six-month review of the US military presence in Europe.
According to Bloomberg, NATO countries are preparing for a possible reduction in US support, including fewer American troops stationed in Europe and fewer resources Washington would be prepared to deploy in the event of an attack.
The US has already announced plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany and redeploy other units without replacing them with additional forces. At the same time, Trump has said he is prepared to send additional troops to Poland following Karol Nawrocki’s victory in the presidential election.
US officials are expected to meet with NATO allies in Brussels in August to discuss the progress of the review.
Washington considers shifting resources to other regions
The issue of the US military presence in Europe has become more contentious since the Pentagon announced its six-month review of American forces on the continent.
The Trump administration is considering reducing the US military contingent in Europe and shifting some resources to other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific.
Washington is also reviewing its military presence in Poland. The Pentagon canceled a planned rotation involving around 4,000 US troops, although Trump later said he was open to strengthening the American contingent there.
The US is also considering reducing some aviation and naval assets used in NATO operations in Europe.
The White House has separately discussed possible measures against NATO members that do not support Washington’s policy toward Iran.
