European NATO allies have mostly replaced assets that the United States has cut from its war-contingency plans for Europe, the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Sir John Stringer, says in an interview. Stringer tells outlets that European countries have “backfilled” the adjustments made by the US, indicating that NATO’s capability for a potential conflict is being maintained through European contributions.
His comments come ahead of a NATO summit in Ankara next week, where member states are expected to address and smooth over recent signals from the US that it may be shifting its focus away from Europe. The outlets report that the summit agenda and discussions are likely to include how allies respond to US changes to resources and planning assumptions, and how NATO ensures continuity of readiness.
Overall, Stringer’s remarks emphasize that the alliance is absorbing and compensating for most of the US reductions in the contingency context, with European partners playing a leading role in sustaining the relevant capabilities.
