--- title: "NATO reshuffles forces: Europe fills the gap left by US troop withdrawal" description: "Europe fills the gap left by US troop withdrawal: NATO changes strategy. The Deputy Supreme Allied Commander stated that allies have stepped up and agreed to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. πŸ‡ͺπŸ‡ΊπŸ›‘οΈπŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ" date: 2026-07-04T00:52:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/nato-reshuffles-forces-europe-fills-gap-left-by-us-troop-withdrawal tags: [] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # NATO reshuffles forces: Europe fills the gap left by US troop withdrawal ![NATO pilot climbing into the cockpit of an F-16 fighter jet at a European base, symbolizing the strengthening of alliance defense forces](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/04/nato-menyaet-rasstanovku-sil-evropa-vospolnyaet-otkhod-voysk/nato-menyaet-rasstanovku-sil-evropa-vospolnyaet-otkhod-voysk-1.webp) European partners in the North Atlantic Alliance have effectively closed the gaps created after the United States adjusted its military plans on the continent. This was stated by John Stringer, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, whose words were reported by Bloomberg citing RBC-Ukraine. The statement came against the backdrop of preparations for the upcoming NATO summit, which will take place next week. It is at this meeting that allies intend to smooth out the sharp corners that have arisen following recent reports that Washington is reviewing its policy of presence in Europe. ### Europe takes on more responsibility According to Stringer, European countries have stepped up efforts to fill the shortfall in forces that arose after the reduction of the American contingent. He characterized this process as a demonstration of "a stronger Europe within a stronger NATO". Earlier, the US officially announced a massive reduction in the number of troops that would be deployed to Europe in the event of a military conflict or crisis. This decision prompted the alliance leadership to ask European states to provide data on reserve forces that had not yet been utilized under current commitments. ### Military logic and new priorities In those categories where Europe physically cannot provide equivalent forces, the alliance plans to achieve a similar effect through other means. Stringer emphasized that the redistribution of responsibility is taking place reasonably and proportionally, fully guided by military logic. A NATO spokesperson noted the readiness of European allies to adapt to the changing priorities and commitments of the United States. ### New financial commitments by 2035 An important outcome of current agreements was the consent of all 32 NATO member countries to increase military spending. By 2035, the alliance plans to reach a figure of 3.5% of GDP allocated to core defense needs. "NATO expects all countries, including the UK, to fulfill their commitments," John Stringer summarized, confirming the course to strengthen the continent's defense potential.