Washington, DC – NATO announced Saturday that it has begun consultations with the United States to better understand the implications of Washington’s decision to withdraw thousands of troops from Germany.
NATO spokesperson Alison Hart confirmed that the alliance is working closely with the US to clarify the details of this new military deployment. Hart explained that this decision underscores the need for increased European investment in defense, expressing confidence in the alliance’s ability to provide deterrence and defense. She also emphasized that the move toward a “stronger Europe” will ultimately make NATO stronger.
Details of the US withdrawal plan
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany within a year, representing about 15% of the total US forces stationed there. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell explained that the decision followed a comprehensive review of the force posture in Europe and took into account the realities on the ground. He anticipated the withdrawal would be completed within six to twelve months. Despite this withdrawal, Washington will maintain more than 30,000 troops in Germany. Data previously indicated that there were 36,436 US military personnel in Germany as of December 2025.
Reactions in Berlin
Commenting on the decision, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the move was expected, emphasizing the need for Europeans to assume greater responsibility for their own security.
Pistorius affirmed that Germany is working diligently to develop and enhance the capabilities of the German armed forces. He added that Germany is also striving to accelerate the acquisition of advanced military equipment and to build and upgrade more vital military infrastructure. The German minister noted that the American presence is in the interest of both sides, and reiterated Berlin’s commitment to close coordination with its allies on all future missions.
Political context and recent tensions
This decision comes amid a tense political climate, with US President Donald Trump signaling a review of troop deployments following criticism from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the US strategy in the conflict with Iran. Merz stated that the United States was being “humiliated” by Iran, criticizing the lack of an effective strategy to end the conflict. This appears to have influenced decisions regarding US military deployments in Europe.
