UPDATE 1 — Top NATO commander joins briefing on review of US defence engagement in Europe

(Adds background on review, development of options for Hegseth) Europe continues to take more responsibility for its defence, says NATO military HQ spokesperson Review will create at least four sets of options for Hegseth, document shows US has about 80,000 troops deployed to Europe BRUSSELS, Sept 18 (Reuters) — NATO's top commander, US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, took part in a virtual briefing on Friday for Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby on potential approaches to a review of US troop deployments in Europe.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review in June of America's troop deployments in Europe and threatened to withhold some US dues to NATO if "free riding" allies did not meet their defence spending commitments. 0'", a NATO spokesperson said. A document seen shows the review will create at least four sets of options for Hegseth, with Friday's briefing contributing to shaping the possibilities on the table. Hegseth told defence ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels in June that the review would last up to six months and include consultations with Congress, which has legislated a minimum number of US forces in Europe.

While he did not explicitly say the review could result in reductions of the 80,000 US troops deployed to Europe, he stressed the goal would be to prompt the continent to do more while ensuring the US military would be able to meet its global commitments. Hegseth also slammed allies who did not support the US during the Iran war, after some denied Washington basing and overflight rights for war-related activities, and said the review would ensure these rights were assured. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, editing by Inti Landauro and Alexander Smith)