Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, is scheduled to brief NATO ambassadors at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels on Thursday. The briefing will address a six‑month review of U.S. force posture in Europe, which was launched in June. Washington has roughly 80,000 troops stationed across the continent, and the review is examining the size, location and readiness of those forces.

Two documents circulated to NATO members in the summer outline goals that include improving access to European bases, increasing overflight permissions and encouraging European allies to take the lead in defending the region, according to people familiar with the matter. A questionnaire sent to allies asks whether they have imposed restrictions on U.S. basing, overflight or transit and whether they have publicly supported U.S. foreign policy in Europe, the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere.

European diplomats say the process has raised questions about the United States’ intentions and whether the review will result in troop reductions. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said his country is preparing a response, emphasizing that Europe should increase its own defence capabilities. Some allies have indicated they are offering adjustments to troop arrangements to secure U.S. support.

Colby said the review is meant to ensure the alliance’s strategic posture is clear, rigorous and ready, according to a post on the social media platform X. European officials have expressed uncertainty about the scope of the review and its potential impact on troop deployments. The Pentagon has not responded to requests for comment.