US Urges European NATO Members to Increase Defence Budgets for Burden Sharing

The United States’ insistence that European NATO members increase their defence spending is seen as an effort to share the financial and military burden more proportionally. This move is not viewed as a signal that Washington will abandon its commitment to the alliance.

A diplomatic source and European expert explained that this demand is not a new policy. According to the source, the administrations of both President Barack Obama and Joe Biden previously made similar requests to European allies.

Washington’s current policy is directed more towards sharing greater responsibility with European nations, rather than a complete withdrawal of American military presence from the region. The US remains interested in maintaining its presence in Europe but is gradually seeking to reduce military involvement due to domestic economic pressures.

Beyond economic factors, this strategic shift is influenced by Washington’s foreign policy of pivoting to Asia to counter China’s growing influence. This strategy began during the Barack Obama era and continues to the present day.

Meanwhile, efforts by European governments to increase military budgets face major challenges. Despite citing the conflict in Ukraine and the threat from Russia, this policy is considered unpopular among European citizens who are currently facing serious economic problems, high public debt, and austerity measures.

The issue of burden sharing is expected to be a main agenda item at the NATO Summit scheduled to take place in Ankara, Turkey, on 7-8 July 2026. This issue remains a crucial topic in transatlantic relations between Washington and its European allies.