Germany has urged European nations to strengthen their own defence capabilities after the United States announced a planned withdrawal of around 5,000 troops from its largest base in the country. Defence officials in Berlin described the move as a signal for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security.
The decision was confirmed by the United States Department of Defense, which stated that the troop reduction from Germany would be carried out over the next six to twelve months. The plan also cancels a previously approved deployment of long-range missile units, which Germany had considered important for deterrence.
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However, the announcement has triggered concern among senior American lawmakers, with top Republican leaders warning that reducing forces in Europe could weaken deterrence against potential threats. They argued that US military presence should remain strong in Europe, particularly amid ongoing security tensions involving Russia.
At the same time, US President Donald Trump confirmed that further reductions beyond the initial 5,000 troops are also being considered. He has long argued that European countries should increase their defence spending and take greater responsibility for regional security rather than relying heavily on American forces.
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Meanwhile, officials across Europe expressed mixed reactions, as some governments supported greater autonomy in defence planning while others raised concerns about NATO’s long-term stability. Countries such as Poland also warned that weakening US presence could send a negative signal to adversaries amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Despite disagreements, NATO officials said they are working closely with Washington to understand the details of the withdrawal plan. Analysts noted that the US military presence in Germany, established after the Second World War, has played a central role in European security architecture for decades.