European NATO members are facing a deadline from the US to increase their responsibility for the military bloc’s intelligence gathering and missile production. According to Reuters, Pentagon officials have warned that if the 2027 deadline is not met, the US may reduce its participation in certain NATO defense activities. This move is part of a broader effort by Washington to reduce its direct involvement in Europe.

NATO officials have acknowledged the need for European countries to invest more in defense and shift the burden of conventional defense from the US to Europe. However, some European officials have expressed concerns that the 2027 target is unrealistic, citing the need for significant investment to replace US military support in the short term.

The US has been pushing for European NATO members to increase their defense spending, with a goal of reaching 5% of GDP by 2035. This initiative follows pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has long argued that European allies should contribute more to the military bloc. The plan is also driven by concerns over a growing Russian threat, which Moscow has dismissed as “nonsense” and fearmongering.

The Pentagon has expressed dissatisfaction with the current pace of European defense gains, which have fallen short of expectations. European officials have agreed to boost their spending on defense, but some have urged caution, citing the need for a more gradual approach. The US has made it clear that it expects European NATO members to take on more responsibility for the military bloc’s activities, including intelligence gathering and missile production.

The deadline for European NATO members to increase their responsibility for these activities is 2027, and the US has warned that it may reduce its participation in certain NATO defense activities if this deadline is not met. This move has significant implications for the future of the military bloc and the balance of power in Europe. As the deadline approaches, European NATO members will need to assess their capabilities and make significant investments in defense to meet the US expectations.