Germany sounds alarm as US scales back military presence in Europe
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Getty Images)
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Europe will have to strengthen its defense capabilities amid a reduction in the US military presence, according to Reuters.
Pistorius made the statement after the Pentagon announced plans to withdraw about 5,000 American troops from the country.
According to him, Europeans must now take on greater responsibility for their own security.
“Germany is on the right track,” the minister emphasized.
He added that the country is expanding the Bundeswehr, increasing arms procurement, and developing military infrastructure.
At the same time, Pistorius stressed that the presence of US troops in Europe serves the interests of both European countries and Washington.
He said that the presence of American soldiers in Europe, particularly in Germany, serves both European and US interests, but added that the United States is expected to continue withdrawing troops from Europe, including Germany.
The defense minister added that nearly 40,000 US service members are currently stationed in Germany.
Reduction of US troop presence in Germany
Recently, on his social network Truth Social, US President Donald Trump said he was “considering” withdrawing troops from Germany, without specifying the scale or timeline.
He later also suggested reducing the US presence in two more European countries — Italy and Spain, the latter of which he specifically criticized over its stance on the war with Iran.
It later emerged that the Pentagon is preparing to cut the US troop presence in Germany by approximately 5,000 personnel.
