No sign US will withdraw troops from Europe amid war in Ukraine – Merz
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany (Getty Images)
Germany has not seen any signs that the United States is planning to withdraw its troops from European countries, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said, according to Digi24.
"We firmly support Ukraine, but we are also united as Europeans and, whenever possible, act as one team together with the United States," the German Chancellor emphasized.
He added that Europe must steadily strengthen its defense capabilities within the NATO framework.
According to Merz, Germany plans to spend 5% of its GDP on defense by 2032, allocating 3.5% to military procurement and 1.5% to defense-related infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and ports.
The Chancellor also responded to a question about whether US President Donald Trump might decide to reduce the number of American troops stationed in Europe.
"There are no signs that the United States will withdraw its forces from Europe," he stated.
Statements from the United States
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker previously stated that the United States is preparing to hold talks with European partners about the possibility of a gradual withdrawal of American troops from Europe.
He clarified that Washington intends to begin these discussions after the NATO summit, which is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 26.
