European nations must take greater responsibility for their own security following Washington's decision to reduce its military presence on the continent.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Sky News, that German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius made these remarks while addressing the decision by the United States to withdraw troops from Germany. The minister emphasized that Germany will maintain close cooperation with the "Group of Five"—which includes the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Poland—to coordinate future missions and regional security efforts.
According to the minister, the withdrawal of US forces from Europe, including Germany, was a move that had been anticipated. The Pentagon recently announced a formal plan to withdraw approximately 5,000 US military personnel from German territory, a decision that aligns with the strategic shift under US President Donald Trump to re-evaluate international military commitments and encourage NATO allies to increase their defense spending.
The presence of US troops in Germany has been a cornerstone of European security since the end of World War II, serving as a critical hub for operations in the Middle East and Africa. This planned reduction marks a significant shift in the transatlantic security architecture, prompting European Union leaders to accelerate discussions on strategic autonomy and the strengthening of the European pillar within NATO. The move comes at a time when Azerbaijan and other regional partners are closely monitoring global security dynamics and the evolving role of international alliances.