WP: US plans to scale back role in NATO advisory bodies

The United States is planning to reduce its participation in a number of NATO advisory groups, in what officials describe as another step by the Trump administration to scale back the American military footprint in Europe.

According to multiple officials familiar with the plans, the move is expected to affect around 200 US military personnel and will primarily reduce American involvement in NATO’s 30 Centres of Excellence. These centres are responsible for training and developing allied capabilities across areas such as cyber defence, energy security and naval warfare, Caliber.Az reports, citing The Washington Post (WP).

Rather than an immediate withdrawal, the Pentagon is expected to phase down its presence by not replacing US personnel as their assignments expire – a process that could take several years. Officials stressed that Washington does not intend to end its participation in the centres altogether.

Among the advisory bodies expected to see cuts are those focused on NATO’s energy security and naval operations, according to European officials. US involvement in NATO organisations dedicated to special operations and intelligence is also set to be reduced, although some functions may be relocated within the alliance to limit the overall impact.

US officials said the plans have been under consideration for several months and are not linked to President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Greenland, which have drawn criticism from European leaders and some members of Congress. The Pentagon declined to comment on the reports.

In a statement, a NATO spokesperson said that “adjustments to US force posture and staffing are not unusual” and confirmed that the alliance remains in close contact with Washington regarding the distribution of forces.

Since President Trump returned to office, the US has pressed European allies to assume greater responsibility for their own defence. In recent months, Washington has announced troop withdrawals from Romania and reductions in security assistance to the Baltic states, which border Russia.

Last summer, NATO members agreed to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade, following pressure from the US administration.

Some lawmakers, including senior Republicans, have criticised the administration’s approach and moved to protect funding for affected security programmes. Congress has also passed legislation requiring the Pentagon to consult lawmakers before making major reductions to US forces in Europe, should troop levels fall below 76,000. Current US force levels on the continent stand at about 80,000.

While the planned reductions represent a small proportion of US troops stationed in Europe, current and former officials have warned they could have a disproportionate effect on the alliance.

“We have a lot of operational experience that some of our personnel contribute to these centres,” said Lauren Speranza, a former senior Pentagon official. “There would be a bit of a brain drain that would come with pulling US personnel out.”

By Vugar Khalilov