Denmark’s Ministry of Defence has confirmed that it has received a written questionnaire from the Pentagon, sent as part of a United States review of its military presence in Europe.
The ministry confirmed the questionnaire to DR, which reported the story on September 7. In a written answer, the ministry said Denmark had received a written approach from the US as part of the Europe Force Posture Review.
The review is led by US war secretary Pete Hegseth. Its aim is to establish which weapons systems, military units and capabilities can be spared and withdrawn from the continent. It was announced before the summer holidays.
Reuters, which has seen parts of the questionnaire, reports that European allies must state whether they allow access for American bases, soldiers and military overflights. The document also contains a series of specific military questions.
According to the Financial Times, European NATO members are also asked to describe their purchases of weapons from American companies. They must further state whether they have publicly supported Donald Trump’s foreign policy.
US deputy defense secretary Elbridge Colby told NATO allies and Secretary General Mark Rutte about the written survey nearly two weeks ago, DR reports. American military leadership is due to discuss the responses at a central briefing within two weeks. Hegseth will then make the final decision.
Fewer US troops in Europe since 2025
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the US increased its military presence in Europe. Per a congressional report cited by DR, two extra brigades were sent to reinforce NATO’s combat forces at that time.
Since 2025, the US has begun scaling back again. The most recent reduction came in June, when the force was cut by 5,000 soldiers. Rutte described the American military presence at that point as more than 80,000 soldiers.
As reported by DR, Europe still relies on basic military tools it cannot yet provide itself. These capabilities include advanced intelligence equipment, transport and combat aircraft, and long-range strike capacity.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the questionnaire is part of a burden shift, in which Europe must be able to manage on its own. It said it is in close, ongoing dialogue with allies, including the US, about a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO.
The ministry has not said which questions the US sent to Denmark. It has also declined to say whether the questionnaire has been answered.
The American review becomes highly relevant on Danish soil in less than two weeks. On September 18 and 19, defense chiefs from all 32 NATO countries gather in Copenhagen for the alliance’s annual military chiefs conference. NATO’s top operational commander, General Alexus Grynkewich, who also heads US forces in Europe, will attend. NATO says the build-up of collective deterrence and defense will be among the topics.
