Trump envoy calls for NATO forces to shift east as US reviews Europe troop presence

NATO must modernize its military infrastructure to move forces and equipment from Western to Eastern Europe, according to U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Monday, Whitaker emphasized that Europe ranks fourth among Washington's strategic priorities, behind homeland security, the Western Hemisphere, and the Pacific. His comments come as the U.S. reviews its troop presence on the continent.

Whitaker highlighted outdated military bases, fuel supply chains, and agreements governing the stationing of American troops as areas needing attention. He stressed the importance of military mobility and "moving things from the west to the east," citing discussions with EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. European officials have warned that Russia could be prepared to attack a NATO country by the end of the decade.

Whitaker stated that U.S. President Donald Trump wants allies to become "capable and not dependent," adding, "The United States isn’t stepping back. We’re just asking you to step forward." He also criticized countries that are not meeting NATO's 2% defense-spending benchmark, noting he had delivered a "very strong message" to Czechia, whose defense spending is approximately 1.8% of GDP this year.

Kubilius, meanwhile, emphasized the need for Europe to reduce its military dependence on Washington and highlighted EU efforts to develop its own drone defenses, satellite communications, and surveillance capabilities. Polish presidential adviser Marcin Przydacz urged Western European allies to accelerate defense spending, stressing that NATO, not the EU, must remain responsible for Europe's collective defense.