U.S. plans to reduce its military presence in Germany should serve as a signal for Europe to more actively strengthen its own security. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
This refers to the Pentagon's decision to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany - the largest U.S. military hub in Europe. This comes amid tensions in relations between the U.S. and the EU due to the war in the Middle East and trade disputes.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that such a move was expected and should push European countries toward greater responsibility for their own defense.
"We Europeans must take more responsibility for our own security. Germany is on the right track,"
According to the minister, Germany is already working on expanding the Bundeswehr, accelerating defense procurement, and developing military infrastructure.
Currently, there are about 35,000 - 40,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany. Following the reduction, one full brigade will leave the country, and the deployment of a long-range artillery unit intended to strengthen the deterrence of Russia will be canceled.
At the same time, Europe acknowledges that despite statements about strengthening defense capabilities, achieving full security autonomy will take years due to limited budgets and a lack of military capacity.
Trump planned to withdraw US troops from Germany, Pentagon was shocked - media5/1/26, 3:43 PM