NATO seeks clarification: US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, Europe under pressure to strengthen defense

(Patria) - NATO is coordinating with US authorities to clarify the details of the withdrawal of about 5,000 US military personnel from bases in Germany, an Alliance spokesperson said today.

- We are working with the United States to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany - the spokesperson stated on the social network X.

She added that this move underscores the need for Europe to continue increasing defense investments and take on a greater share of responsibility for common security, recalling the progress made after allies agreed at last year's summit in The Hague to allocate five percent of GDP to defense.

NATO emphasizes that it remains confident in its deterrence and defense capabilities, as the process of strengthening the European component within the Alliance continues.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 US troops from bases in Germany. According to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, the withdrawal should be completed within the next 12 months, but the details are not yet fully known.

The decision comes after a public dispute between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, after Merz accused the US of lacking a clear strategy in the war with Iran, stating that they are facing humiliation and have no exit strategy, reports DPA.