TIRANA, August 28 – US Deputy Defense Secretary Elbridge Colby met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the alliance’s ambassadors in Brussels. The talks came as Washington reviewed the US military presence in Europe.

Colby said Washington wanted NATO allies to provide their input “directly in writing”. He referred to a questionnaire that the United States had recently sent to other NATO members.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the review in June. The move has raised concerns about possible reductions in US troops stationed in Europe.

Colby did not say how many US positions in Europe could face reductions or closure. He said the United States would first assess the allies’ responses and offers.

The review forms part of Washington’s push for what it calls “NATO 3.0”. Under the proposed model, European allies would take primary responsibility for conventional defence in Europe and provide most of the forces needed.

Meanwhile, the United States would continue to provide NATO with nuclear protection. Washington would focus its conventional military contribution on more limited and targeted capabilities.

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