Rachel Ellehuus reacts to the US review of its forces in Europe

'Three weeks before the NATO Summit in Ankara, NATO's European members and Canada are stepping up to deliver on their commitment to take on more of the security burden and spend more on defence — $90 billion more in defence spending in the past year alone.'

'Unfortunately, rather than support allies and underscore the US commitment to NATO, US Secretary of Defense Hegseth chose to issue a threat: US force posture in Europe and contributions to NATO Common Funding will now be tied to whether allies are paying what Washington considers their fair share. It's protection racket framing that undermines NATO solidarity, trust in the US commitment to NATO, and, ultimately, US security interests.'

'Decisions about where US forces are positioned should be driven by detailed threat assessments, operational requirements, and military planning — not used as a form of reward, punishment, or revenge. Such framing undermines allies while they're actively trying to solve the problem and telegraphs to adversaries that US security commitments have a price tag.'

Rachel Ellehuus, Director-General, RUSI and former United States Secretary of Defense Representative in Europe and Defense Advisor to the United States’ Mission to NATO.