Pentagon’s ‘Bergen Group’ Excludes UK, France, and Baltics from NATO Strategy Talks

Key points

• The Pentagon-led 'Bergen Group' meeting in Poland includes only Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
• Excluded nations include major defense spenders and key deterrence partners like the UK, France, and the Baltic states.
• US officials cite rapid defense spending compliance and military scale as selection criteria, but critics view this as a 'naughty and nice list.'
• Estonian officials debate whether the exclusion signals a strategic downgrade or is merely a practical limitation of the informal format.

Background

This development follows earlier US pressure on Europe to close capability gaps and increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. In August 2026, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby publicly rebuked allies for 'capability gaps' and circulated questionnaires on base access and weapon purchases. The current exclusion is part of a broader strategy to reward 'model allies' while penalizing those resisting US priorities, including support for the war against Iran.

How outlets are covering it

Politico and Kyiv Post emphasize the risk of splitting NATO into 'good' and 'bad' camps, noting that excluded nations are among the most active defense contributors. ERR highlights internal Estonian debate: MP Raimond Kaljulaid argues the exclusion sends a dangerous signal to Russia, while MP Marko Mihkelson and ICDS researcher Tony Lawrence argue the informal nature of the meeting minimizes its impact. The Telegraph was inaccessible due to a security block.

Why it matters

The exclusion of major allies from strategic planning could undermine NATO unity and deterrence capabilities, potentially emboldening Russia and complicating US-Europe defense cooperation.

What to watch

Denmark may join the group following a US-Greenland military presence agreement. The excluded nations are seeking clarification on selection criteria, while the White House and Pentagon have declined to comment.