Europe must take responsibility for its security
Capitals – Agencies:
After withdrawing 5,000 American soldiers from Germany, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius yesterday called on the Europeans to take greater responsibility for their security, in light of escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and NATO allies, and Washington’s threat to withdraw from the Atlantic alliance.
He considered that Germany is on the right track in this regard, pointing out the expansion of its armed forces (the Bundeswehr), increasing and accelerating the purchase of equipment, and building military infrastructure.
Pistorius estimated the current number of American forces stationed in Germany at about 40,000 soldiers, considering that the presence of American soldiers in Europe, especially in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the United States. He added that the United States was expected to withdraw its forces from Europe, including Germany.
Last week, Trump threatened to reduce the number of US forces in Germany, after a debate with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, regarding the US strategy in the Iran war. The US Defense Department announced on Friday the withdrawal of 5,000 military personnel from Germany, while a Pentagon spokesman expected that the withdrawal of forces would be completed within 6 to 12 months. Germany hosts about 35,000 American military personnel in service, the largest number in Europe.
A senior Pentagon official said that the recent German statements were “inappropriate and unhelpful,” adding: “The president is responding correctly to these unconstructive statements.” The agency reported that the troop reduction would return the US military presence in Europe to near pre-2022 levels.
