Europe must “take on more responsibility for our own security,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said in response to the planned withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from the country.
“It was anticipated that the U.S. might withdraw troops from Europe, including Germany,” Pistorius said on Saturday. “One thing is clear: If we are to remain transatlantic, we must strengthen the European pillar within NATO,” he added, pointing to an ongoing buildup of German military strength.
NATO said it was “working with the U.S. to understand the details” of the Pentagon’s decision to pull the troops. The move by the Trump administration “underscores the need for Europe to invest more in defense,” NATO spokesperson Allison Hart said in a statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened a drawdown in U.S. troops amid a public row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said the U.S. was being “humiliated” by Iran.
The Pentagon’s announcement would still leave around 33,000 U.S. troops in Germany, reversing a buildup that began under President Joe Biden.
A European Commission spokesperson told POLITICO the U.S. military footprint in Europe was a “significant contribution to NATO deterrence and defense” and formed the “foundation of collective defense for 23 EU Member States who are also Allies” in NATO.
The spokesperson added that EU countries were meeting their NATO commitments by increasing military spending at “an unprecedented pace.”
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal in response to “conditions on the ground” after reviewing U.S. troop buildup in Europe. “We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to 12 months,” Parnell said.
Chris Lunday and Victor Jack contributed reporting.
