NATO leader Mark Rutte said on Wednesday that the United States is not withdrawing from Europe by announcing a reduction in the forces it makes available to the military alliance.
“In some cases it is presented as a problem – as if the US is withdrawing from its allies. But that is not reality,” Rutte said on the eve of the meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Washington has told its allies that it is reducing the resources it makes available to NATO commanders because it expects European countries to take “primary responsibility” for their own conventional defense.
“The US adapted its promises to the NATO force model,” said Rutte.
“This is not primarily about where forces and resources are currently located, but about who would do what if our military plans were activated,” – he said.
American and German media reported that the cuts include a third of the 150 US F-16 and F-15 aircraft destined for NATO, plus refueling and reconnaissance aircraft, bombers and drones.
Media reports indicate that a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles is also being withdrawn, along with one of two groups of aircraft carriers.
The US move has sparked fears it could leave Europe vulnerable to an aggressive Russia, while questions swirl about US President Donald Trump’s commitment to the military alliance.
Several European diplomats have insisted that Europe could step up to replace the capacities the US has been cutting, if it is given enough time to fill the gaps.
“Historically speaking, too much reliance was placed on the USA. Now the US has adjusted its pledged contributions – and other allies have stepped up to contribute more,” Rutte said.
The NATO leader said that the United States “has made it clear that America’s nuclear deterrent potential is solid.”
NATO leaders are preparing for a summit with Trump in Turkey next month, where Europe wants to show it is fulfilling its promise to increase military spending, AFP reports.
