US may pull 30% of its troops from Europe - Politico

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Washington to discuss the situation with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. He confirmed that Germany expects changes in the American position and wants to be part of the coordination process.

Pentagon prepares report, Europe awaits consequences

A key element of future decisions will be a review of the global deployment of US troops. This applies not only to Europe but also to the Indo-Pacific region, where tensions are growing.

The Pentagon's final report is expected in September. Germany does not know what steps the US will take and when they will begin.

Germany remains the main hub of US bases

About 35,000 US troops are deployed in the country. Key facilities include the Ramstein air base and the Grafenwoehr training area, the largest outside the United States.

Germany remains heavily dependent on US support for both munitions and logistics, as well as strategic deterrence, including deployed US nuclear weapons.

Berlin and NATO seek coordination

NATO is also concerned, but the US ambassador to the Alliance assures that there will be no surprises. Discussions continue on a daily basis.

A German Defense Ministry spokesman refused to elaborate on the details of the talks. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, possible scenarios for reducing up to 30% of US troops in Europe are being discussed.

Berlin relies on diplomacy and spending

Amid uncertainty, Germany is relying on public diplomacy and increased spending. In 2025, the defense budget will amount to about 86 billion euros, and by 2029, it will increase to 153 billion euros, which is about 3.5% of GDP.

This allows Berlin to claim the role of a stable partner of the United States and maintain the deployment of troops. Germany emphasizes its readiness to develop infrastructure for its allies.

Merz strengthens relations with Trump

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a phone call with Donald Trump in July to discuss arms supplies to Ukraine. During his visit to the United States, he raised the topic of troops.

Trump said that Europe must do more, but acknowledged that Germany was taking steps to help. It was seen as a positive signal in Berlin.

Personal contacts can play a key role

According to experts, such contacts are important, especially with politicians like Trump. Personal diplomacy can influence Washington's decisions.

However, the outcome will depend on the US position. Germany can only try to minimize risks and be prepared for any development.

At the NATO summit in June, US President Donald Trump said that the United States remains committed to the principle of collective defense in the North Atlantic Alliance. When asked about his commitment to Article 5 of NATO's charter, Trump replied: “We're with them all the way”.

At the same time, Merz's team intends to quickly turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe.