BERLIN, May 2 (Alliance News): Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Saturday said a planned reduction of US troops in Germany should encourage European nations to further strengthen their own defence capabilities, amid rising tensions in transatlantic relations.
The move follows an announcement by the Pentagon that the United States will withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, its largest military base in Europe.
The decision comes at a time of growing friction between Washington and European allies over the Iran conflict and trade disputes.
Pistorius noted that the withdrawal had been anticipated, particularly after recent disagreements between former US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has openly questioned Washington’s Middle East strategy.
Calling for greater European self-reliance, Pistorius stressed that the continent must assume more responsibility for its own security.
He said Germany is already moving in that direction by increasing defence spending, accelerating military procurement, and expanding infrastructure.
Germany currently hosts between 35,000 and 40,000 US troops. The reduction will affect a significant portion of this presence, which has been a cornerstone of European security since the aftermath of World War II.
The German government is planning to increase the size of the Bundeswehr from about 185,000 active-duty personnel to 260,000. However, critics argue that even larger increases may be necessary in light of perceived threats from Russia.
NATO members, including Germany, have long pledged to boost their defence contributions.
However, budget constraints and capability gaps mean it could take years before Europe can independently meet its security needs.
The US military presence in Germany has historically played a central role in NATO operations, including during the Cold War, when hundreds of thousands of American troops were stationed there to counter the Soviet Union.
Key installations such as Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center continue to serve as major logistical hubs for US military operations worldwide.
Under the new plan, one full US brigade will be withdrawn, and a long-range fires battalion scheduled for deployment later this year will be cancelled.
Analysts say this decision could weaken Europe’s deterrence posture, particularly as it delays the development of indigenous long-range missile capabilities.
The reduction is seen as part of a broader shift in US defence priorities, raising concerns in Europe about the future of transatlantic security cooperation.
