Merz sees no reason for concern over possible US troop cuts in Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (photo: Getty Images)
The withdrawal of a portion of US troops does not constitute a worrying signal for European security, as the strength of the Alliance lies in shared goals rather than in the number of soldiers, according to a joint press briefing by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Merz's position on NATO
Chancellor emphasized that NATO's strength depends primarily on the unity of its members. He is convinced that despite reductions in troop presence, the strategic interests of the United States and Europe remain unchanged.
"NATO's strength does not depend on troops numbers alone, but on unity of purpose. And that is still shared. I have no doubt that America is highly interested in having a strong European part of NATO on their side," Merz said.
He added that Europe is equally interested in military support from Washington, as both sides face common challenges on the continent and beyond.
Reduction of US troops in Europe
Discussions about the presence of a large US military contingent in Europe intensified in early May. US President Donald Trump officially confirmed his intentions by announcing a large-scale redeployment.
In particular, Trump said the United States would withdraw more than 5,000 troops from Germany, citing insufficient European defense spending.
At the same time, Pentagon officials were reportedly taken aback by Trump's call to reduce troop levels in Germany, a move that came as a surprise to the defense establishment.
European NATO allies are now preparing for the possibility that the German scenario could become a precedent for the entire continent. Experts expect a new wave of US troop reductions, which, according to Bloomberg forecasts, could also affect strategic sites in Italy and Spain.
