US excludes France, UK and Baltic states from NATO meeting in Poland

The United States has excluded several major European allies from an upcoming meeting on the future of the alliance, generating bewilderment among diplomatic missions. Organized by Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, the working group is scheduled to gather in Poland next month to discuss strategic changes.

The guest list omits the United Kingdom, France and the Baltic states, despite these governments maintaining substantial military roles and high defence spending. Uninvited diplomats told reporters they received little explanation regarding the criteria used to select participants or the specific objectives of the gathering.

Officials from nations left out of the talks fear the selection process reflects political preferences rather than military contributions or alliance needs. "We are doing everything that is asked of us," an official from an uninvited country said, according to Kathimerini.

Colby has previously convened similar restricted talks involving Norway, Sweden, Finland, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands, an informal arrangement known as the Bergen Group. A diplomat from a participating nation told reporters that the format aims to develop proposals for the wider alliance rather than divide it, while acknowledging that excluded capitals feel frustrated.

The White House did not respond to requests for comment, and the Pentagon declined to comment. The exclusion occurs as the alliance faces security challenges alongside depleted weapons stockpiles and ongoing debates over defence spending targets.

It is not yet confirmed whether Denmark could also join the restricted format. Reports said Denmark might be added following a separate agreement with Washington over the US military presence in Greenland, though neither the Danish government nor the Pentagon confirmed any such arrangement. The possible addition of Denmark would not address the concerns of France, the United Kingdom or the Baltic states, which remain excluded from the group.

Earlier discussions within the US administration involved ranking partners into categories based on cooperation with Washington. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth previously advocated for preferential treatment for allies supporting American interests and consequences for those that do not.