NATO is trying to "understand the details" of the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a redeployment initiated by US President Donald Trump amid a conflict with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, UNN reports, citing The Guardian.
Details
The German government sought to downplay the severity of Trump's move, calling it "expected" and a reminder to Europe of the need to invest in its own defense.
The withdrawal of U.S. troops, which the Pentagon says will take place over the next six to twelve months, follows criticism from Merz regarding Trump's war with Iran and his subsequent negotiations with Tehran.
The Chancellor stated on Monday that the U.S. is being "humiliated" by Iran's leaders. Trump reacted quickly, stating that Merz "doesn't know what he's talking about," and shortly thereafter raised the possibility of withdrawing troops.
NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu stated on Saturday that the alliance is "working with the US to understand the details of their decision regarding the force posture in Germany."
These remarks suggested that the announcement of the troop withdrawal was a unilateral act, with little or no coordination with Washington's European allies, the publication notes.
"This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue investing more in defense and to take on a greater share of responsibility for our collective security," Hart said on social media, noting that NATO allies have made progress since last year's agreement to invest 5% of GDP in defense to counter the growing threat from Russia.
A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense stated that the planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from bases in Germany demonstrates that "we must strengthen the European pillar within NATO."
"It was expected that the US could withdraw troops from Europe, including Germany," the spokeswoman said, estimating the current number of American troops in Germany at 40,000.
U.S. officials suggested that an Army brigade combat team already deployed to Germany would be withdrawn, and the planned deployment of a long-range artillery battalion to the country would be canceled, possibly involving other troops as well.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense Manpower Data Center, there are 68,000 active-duty service members permanently stationed at bases in Europe. Further troop withdrawals could provoke a conflict with the U.S. Congress, which mandated last year that troop levels in Europe must not fall below 76,000.
Congress established this benchmark following the withdrawal of a brigade from Romania last year, when both sides issued a joint statement demanding a thorough assessment before any other "significant changes to our force structure."
It is reported that European capitals are more concerned about the postponement of previously agreed-upon U.S. weapons sales to European allies. On Friday, the Financial Times reported that the Trump administration warned allies, including the United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia, to expect lengthy delays in the delivery of American weapons, as the Pentagon has prioritized replenishing stockpiles used in the war with Iran.
US warned Europeans of weapon delivery delays due to war in Iran - FT02.05.26, 08:02
Highlighting a shift in focus, the U.S. Department of State announced on Friday that it has approved the sale of military equipment to its Middle Eastern allies—Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE—totaling more than $8.6 billion.
As the publication notes, the existing transatlantic rift has significantly worsened due to the refusal of Washington's NATO allies to intervene in the war with Iran following the first US-Israeli attack on February 28.
Merz proposed using German minesweepers to help open the economically vital Strait of Hormuz, but only on the condition of a permanent ceasefire and the existence of a UN or EU mandate for the mission.
In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine, Merz said: "I told Donald Trump why we believe the war in Iran is wrong. Nevertheless, I try to maintain good personal relations with the American president."
"So far, these efforts are proving successful," Merz said in an interview published Wednesday, before the Pentagon confirmed the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Efforts to end the war with Iran remained at a deadlock after Trump stated he was "not satisfied" with an Iranian proposal that would have seen both sides lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while nuclear and other security issues were temporarily set aside for later.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has softened its preconditions for negotiations, dropping its demand that the U.S. lift the blockade before further talks can take place. However, a time for a new round of negotiations has not yet been agreed upon.
The resumption of negotiations could be complicated by a new wave of Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, the publication notes.