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Last Updated:May 02, 2026, 15:02 IST
NATO engages with the US over plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, urging higher European defence spending and greater security responsibility.
NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart. (Image: X/@NATOpress)
NATO Spokesperson Allison Hart on Saturday said that the alliance is engaging with the United States to understand the rationale behind its decision to withdraw around 5,000 troops from Germany, a move that has sparked fresh debate on Europe’s defence responsibilities.
The NATO spokesperson stated that discussions are underway to assess the implications of the shift in force posture. Hart emphasised that the development reinforces the need for European nations to increase defence spending and assume a larger role in ensuring regional security.
Europe Urged To Boost Defence Spending
We are working with the U.S. to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany. This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security – where we’re…— NATO Spokesperson (@NATOpress) May 2, 2026
In a statement on X, she said, “We are working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany. This adjustment underscores the need for Europe to continue to invest more in defence and take on a greater share of the responsibility for our shared security – where we’re already seeing progress since Allies agreed to invest 5% of GDP at the NATO Summit in The Hague last year. "
“We remain confident in our ability to provide for our deterrence and defence as this shift towards a stronger Europe in a stronger NATO continues," she added.
Earlier, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius echoed similar concerns, urging European allies to step up their commitments. He said American troops’ presence in Europe remained beneficial to both sides but acknowledged that reductions were anticipated.
“It was foreseeable that the US would withdraw troops from Europe, including Germany," Pistorius remarked, adding, “We Europeans must take greater responsibility for our security." he added.
The development highlights ongoing discussions within NATO over burden-sharing, as the alliance navigates evolving security dynamics and calls for a more balanced distribution of defence responsibilities.
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News world ‘Europe Needs To Invest More In Defence’: NATO As US Plans Germany Troop Cut
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