Germany is reportedly seeking a clear plan from the United States regarding the potential withdrawal of American troops from Europe.German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has expressed concerns to his US counterpart, warning of potential “dangerous capability gaps” if US forces depart before European nations can adequately fill the void.
The United States currently maintains a meaningful military presence in Europe, with troop levels fluctuating between 90,000 and 100,000. Germany hosts the largest contingent, with approximately 35,000 US service members stationed across 35 bases. This substantial American footprint is seen as crucial for regional defense and for projecting power into the Middle East and Africa.
Berlin’s apprehension about potential troop reductions is occurring within the broader context of the European Union’s increased focus on defense. Initiatives such as the €800 billion ($930 billion) ReArm Europe program and a recent NATO commitment to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP underscore this trend, with Russia frequently cited as the primary threat justifying these measures.
Simultaneously occurring, Moscow has consistently denied posing a threat to European security, dismissing such claims as unfounded and accusing the West of employing this narrative to justify increased military expenditures.
