Hegseth unveils six-month review of US military presence in Europe

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced a six-month review of the US military presence in Europe on November 20, 2019, stating that the review would assess the "strategic value" of current deployments. Esper made this announcement during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where he also expressed frustration with some NATO allies for not adequately supporting Washington's efforts in the Middle East, particularly concerning Iran. He emphasized that the United States has borne a disproportionate share of the burden in maintaining European security and that allies need to increase their defense spending and contributions. The review is expected to consider troop levels, basing arrangements, and the overall strategic posture of US forces across the continent. Esper indicated that the findings of this review would inform future decisions regarding the size and scope of the US military footprint in Europe, potentially leading to realignments or reductions in certain areas if deemed necessary to optimize resource allocation and better address evolving global threats. The secretary's remarks highlighted a growing sentiment within the Pentagon regarding the need for allies to step up their commitments to collective defense.