Iceland withholds answers to Trump questionnaire

Icelandic authorities have declined to disclose the country’s responses to a questionnaire sent by the United States to other NATO governments, mbl.is reports. The questionnaire was reported by Bloomberg in the middle of last month.

The questions reportedly concern the Icelandic government’s position on US foreign policy, whether public funds are used to buy equipment from US defence manufacturers, and what restrictions have been placed on the use of military bases by the United States.

Authorities in several European countries have viewed the questionnaire as an attempt by the United States to bring European nations closer to it ideologically in exchange for American protection.

The United States is reviewing its military presence in Europe, with the process expected to be completed in December. The review could result in a significant reduction in the US presence on the continent and in its ability to respond if an attack occurs.

Kristrún Frostadóttir, Iceland’s prime minister, was among NATO leaders who met and spoke with US President Donald Trump at a NATO meeting this summer.

Growing tensions in Europe

Several developments in recent weeks have raised concerns that Russia may be considering actions to test the unity of NATO countries. US intelligence agencies recently warned their allies about possible operations ranging from cyberattacks to minor physical attacks.

A drone carrying explosives was recently reported near an airport in Leipzig, Germany. German authorities and European Union officials have said they believe it was Russian. Denmark has also warned that Russia is preparing acts of sabotage, while Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has said it cannot be ruled out that Russia may challenge one of NATO’s member states.

Explosives were also found near a coal plant in Germany. German authorities requested the closure of a Russian cultural centre in Berlin that was believed to be hosting Russian espionage activity.

The Icelandic Foreign Ministry told mbl.is that active consultations on long-term preparedness are taking place between NATO and the United States. It said the questionnaire was part of communications between Iceland and the United States based on mutual trust, and that documents concerning the matter could therefore not be provided.