SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a stern message to his NATO counterparts on Thursday, announcing a comprehensive six-month review of American military deployments across Europe.
Hegseth indicated that the outcome of this review will be directly tied to the speed at which European nations demonstrate their commitment to self-defense through increased military support.
“This will be a genuine assessment. Its purpose is to ensure NATO is progressing rapidly and decisively towards Europe taking the lead, stepping up to assume primary responsibility for the continent’s defense,” he stated to NATO officials gathered in Brussels.
Furthermore, Hegseth strongly criticized European countries for their reluctance to support U.S. forces in the conflict against Iran. He specifically called out those who denied access to military bases.
The Secretary expressed his frustration, saying, “These allies have placed America’s sons and daughters, our own kin, at risk by denying them predictable access, basing, and overflight rights that should never have been in question.”
Hegseth then broadened his critique to encompass broader European policy decisions. He pointed to a perceived overemphasis on social policies, such as migration and climate change initiatives, at the expense of defense spending.
“Instead of investing in tanks, fighter jets, and air defense systems, the focus has shifted to gender equality and climate change, coupled with defense austerity. Europe’s borders have been left wide open, welfare states have expanded, and defense budgets have dwindled. This trend has coincided with a decline in Europe’s self-belief and a questioning of its own civilization,” Hegseth remarked.
In a related development, Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany has articulated a vision for the German armed forces to become the most powerful conventional army in Europe. This ambition is reportedly now supported by Berlin’s updated military strategy.
A spokesperson, Hanefeld, explained the rationale behind this strategic shift, stating, “Russia’s illegal war of aggression has shaken long-held certainties in Europe and Germany, as the international rules we have depended upon are now being challenged.” He added, “This fundamentally alters the strategic environment in which we operate.”
“Currently, Germany stands as Ukraine’s most significant supporter,” Hanefeld continued. “Germany’s decision to develop into Europe’s strongest conventional army, while remaining firmly anchored within the NATO alliance, represents an ongoing and steadfast commitment.”
