Nato chief says Europe must lead as US weighs military cuts

Nato’s top military commander says Europe must take primary responsibility for its own security as the United States considers reducing its military presence on the continent, he told DR.

US General Alexus Grynkewich, known as SACEUR, or Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is responsible for directing Nato forces and making key decisions if the alliance is attacked. He is also involved in decisions about the use of nuclear weapons, which would ultimately be made collectively by Nato.

Since the summer, Grynkewich has also been examining how the United States could scale back its military presence in Europe. Four possible models are expected to be presented to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to media reports. The Trump administration is expected to choose and implement one of them, potentially bringing troops and military equipment back to North America.

Grynkewich told DR that allies, including Denmark, had been able to contribute to the review through written questionnaires. Their input, he said, helps ensure the analysis is comprehensive and allows countries to explain their contributions to what he called “Nato 3.0”: a stronger Europe within a stronger Nato.

During his first visit to Denmark as SACEUR this autumn, Grynkewich met Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and senior military officers. From the US embassy in Copenhagen, he also presented his recommendations to senior officials in Washington by video conference.

Grynkewich said the United States faces a “simultaneity problem”: the challenge of dealing with threats or conflicts in several parts of the world at once. He cited possible demands linked to the Middle East and competition with China as examples, and said Europe’s greater responsibility was necessary.

He said he remained confident in Nato’s deterrence and defence plans during the US drawdown. For now, he added, the military effects the alliance can achieve matter more than the specific capabilities it has available.