U.S. Shuts Britain, France and the Baltics Out of Pentagon-Led NATO Talks
The Trump administration's hand-picked NATO working group leaves out Europe's two nuclear powers and the three allies that spend the largest share of GDP on defense.
The Trump administration's hand-picked NATO working group leaves out Europe's two nuclear powers and the three allies that spend the largest share of GDP on defense.
The Trump administration is excluding Britain, France and the Baltic states from a NATO meeting in Poland next month, Politico reported, citing six diplomats familiar with the planning. Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby is driving the session, a working group on the alliance's future. Diplomats from the excluded countries question whether Washington is playing favorites. The Pentagon declined to comment to Politico, and the White House did not respond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries were left out of the Poland meeting?
Politico reported, citing six diplomats, that the United Kingdom, France and the Baltic states were among the allies not invited. The Pentagon declined to comment.
What is the Bergen Group?
A small working-group format led by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby. It first met in Bergen, Norway, in June with Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, according to Politico.
How did Colby describe the group's members?
After the June meeting, Colby described the attendees as allies "rapidly meeting their Hague spending commitments" with "the scale to contribute." An official from an excluded ally told Politico they are still trying to understand the criteria.
How much do the Baltic states spend on defense?
NATO's 2026 estimates put Lithuania at 5.33% of GDP, Estonia at 5.11% and Latvia at 4.92%, the three highest shares in the alliance.
Could the group expand?
Denmark could be added after its Greenland agreement with Washington, according to a person familiar with the planning who spoke to Politico.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.