Key facts
- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged European allies to lead the development of a 'NATO 3.0' military alliance.
- Hegseth announced a six-month review of US military presence in Europe, linking its outcome to European allies taking responsibility for their own security.
- He criticized some NATO members for low defense spending and for denying US forces access to bases during the Iran war.
- Hegseth also criticized European allies for prioritizing liberal ideals and social policies over practical defense needs.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called on European allies to take the lead in transforming NATO into a 'NATO 3.0' military alliance, emphasizing the need for real military capabilities. In a rare appearance at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Hegseth announced a six-month review of US forces in Europe, stating that its outcome will depend on how quickly European nations assume responsibility for their own security.
Hegseth criticized some NATO members for their defense spending and for denying US forces access to bases in Europe during the Iran war, calling it 'shameful.' He also lambasted European allies for prioritizing what he termed liberal ideals, such as gender equity, climate change, and defense austerity, over practical defense needs.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that allies have long been aware of potential US troop withdrawals and stated that Germany is increasing its defense efforts. The US review comes amid mixed signals from the Trump administration regarding its military footprint in Europe and past threats to reduce military support.
This visit marked Hegseth's first to NATO this year. He departed before the meeting concluded, hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was scheduled to request more weapons for his country. Hegseth noted that while many countries committed to meeting defense spending targets, some outliers would be clearly addressed during the review.