Europe preparing for possible military conflict with Russia
Photo: Europe acknowledges it still relies on the US in some areas (Getty Images)
NATO conducted large-scale military drills in Romania to strengthen Europe's defense in the context of the US military drawdown and potential Russian aggression, reports Bloomberg.
The exercises took place against the backdrop of the US decision to reduce its troop presence in the region while strengthening ties with Moscow.
French forces, under NATO command, practiced defense operations in Transylvania, but without US troops on the front lines. Romania and other NATO members were concerned that it would take weeks for allied forces to reach the front lines in the event of an attack.
Due to transport limitations, Romania's land forces would be forced to defend almost independently in case of an invasion.
Germany's Foreign Minister warned that Russia could target a NATO member state within the next four years, while the US continues scaling back its contingent in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
In Bucharest, officials acknowledged Washington's decision, but privately expressed dissatisfaction. European leaders are quietly trying to convince the US not to withdraw its forces.
EU's dependence on the US
NATO acknowledges that the EU remains dependent on the US in areas like air and missile defense, long-range strikes, and intelligence. Logistics also remain a weak point. French commanders reported that transporting equipment to Romania took three days due to delays at the borders.
Romania is reinforcing its defense by using European funds from the SAFE fund, totaling €150 billion ($174 billion), to prepare the bloc for 2030. The country has already secured €16 billion and is working to develop its own defense industry.
Meanwhile, German defense company Rheinmetall has opened ammunition production facilities in Romania and Bulgaria to address the EU's ammunition shortage.
Romania is also negotiating with other allies about replacing the US contingent. Romanian President Nicuşor Dan is planning a visit to France to discuss defense cooperation and potential military presence.
NATO drills
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, NATO member countries have ramped up the training of their combat units.
In September, Poland hosted the largest strategic military exercises of 2025, Iron Defender-25, which involved about 30,000 soldiers from Poland and allied countries, as well as more than 600 military vehicles.
Additionally, Finland and the UK began joint military exercises called Northern Axe 2025 in the town of Kuhmo, with British forces participating along with 600 units of equipment.
