Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated during a briefing at the European Political Community summit in Yerevan that the decision by the United States to withdraw its troops from Germany was unexpected. She noted that while the reduction of the American military presence in Europe has been a topic of debate for some time, the official announcement was perceived as sudden by European partners.
Operative Information Center-OMM, citing foreign media, reports that Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell recently confirmed the withdrawal of 5,000 American military personnel from Germany within the next 6 to 12 months. Kallas emphasized that the American military presence in Europe is not only vital for local security but also serves the strategic interests of the United States itself. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also commented on the matter, clarifying that the withdrawal concerns the contingent temporarily stationed in Germany by Joe Biden. Merz further dismissed any link between this administrative step and his recent discussions with US President Donald Trump regarding regional security issues.
The presence of US troops in Germany has been a cornerstone of transatlantic security since the end of World War II, with the country serving as a primary logistical hub for American military operations across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Currently, Germany hosts the largest number of US personnel in Europe, primarily stationed at major installations such as Ramstein Air Base. This planned reduction marks a significant shift in the regional defense posture as European leaders continue to evaluate the future of the NATO framework and collective security commitments.
