Hegseth announces in Brussels a review of U.S. forces in Europe, and a 'NATO 3.0'

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. World Hegseth announces in Brussels a review of U. forces in Europe, and a 'NATO 3. 0' June 18, 20264:59 AM ET By The Associated Press United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press statement on arrival for a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Virginia Mayo/AP hide caption toggle caption Virginia Mayo/AP BRUSSELS — U. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe whose outcome will depend on how fast the Europeans take responsibility for their own security. The Indicator from Planet Money Should NATO be pay-to-protect?

The Details

"This will be a real review. It will be designed to ensure that NATO is moving fast and irreversibly toward Europe leading, stepping up to take primary responsibility for the defense of Europe," he told his NATO counterparts in Brussels. Hegseth lambasted European allies for failing to provide U.

forces access to bases in Europe to launch attacks on Iran, calling it "shameful. " "These allies, they put America's sons and daughters, our sons and daughters, at risk by denying them the predictable access, basing and overflight that never should have been in question at all," he said. Sponsor Message Taking the microphone at the top of the meeting, Hegseth also railed against migration and gender equality policies in Europe, in remarks reminiscent to those of Vice President JD Vance in February last year that angered many Europeans.

"Instead of tanks and fighters and air defenses, the focus has been on gender equity and climate change and defense austerity. Europe's borders flew wide open, welfare states expanded, defense budgets cratered. Along with Europe's belief in itself and its civilization," Hegseth said.

What Experts Say

Hegseth's comments largely mischaracterized European policies today. On defense, European allies and Canada have launched an unprecedented effort to boost defense spending and expand their armed forces. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte noted on Thursday that they spent $90 billion more on defense last year, a 20% increase over 2024.

And while Europe accepted large numbers of migrants and asylum seekers more than a decade ago, most countries have tightened their borders since. World Fallout from the Iran war may include a NATO where the U. is no longer its leader The Trump administration now wants a reboot of the 32-nation organization to turn it into a "NATO 3.

0" capable of deterring any threat, Hegseth said. Hegseth's remarks came a few weeks after the United States told its allies that it would no longer supply certain warships and aircraft if one of them comes under attack. European allies and Canada are trying to work out how to plug the gaps.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.