The United States has informed NATO headquarters of a planned cut in its troop numbers on the Eastern flank, a move the Alliance says is only a correction.
US Tells NATO to Cut Forces on Eastern Flank
U.S. officials notified NATO headquarters of their intention to reduce the number of soldiers stationed on the alliance’s eastern front. The alliance stressed that the change is merely a rescaling rather than a withdrawal.
Speaking to Brunei‑speaking correspondent Beata Płomecka, a NATO representative said the U.S. reduction would not surprise the EU and that, even after the adjustments, American forces in Europe would remain more capable than several years ago. He added that Europe hosts far more troops than before 2022 and that the U.S. commitment to NATO is clear.
EU Reaffirms Its Defence Plans
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier replied that the EU is attentive to the U.S. announcement but that it will not affect the Union’s defence roadmap, nor its four key priorities.
Regnier reminded that the EU’s goal is to create an “Eastern Watch” and to provide operational capacity for the Eastern Flank Watch. He said all EU defence plans will be carried out in close coordination with NATO and allies.
Romanian Officials Respond to Withdrawal Claim
Romanian President Nicusor Dan called a meeting with Prime Minister Ilie Bolojana and Minister of Defence Ionut Mosteanu after media reports suggested the U.S. would pull troops from a rotational presence in Romania.
Officials in Bucharest stated that the withdrawal would not affect the safety of their citizens. The defense ministry confirmed that the army is prepared for such developments and emphasized that it remains the primary guarantor of national security.
The U.S. side clarified that the cooperation will continue, with roughly a thousand American soldiers remaining permanently in Romania to carry out coalition tasks, and that the U.S. will not disarm the Romanian army.
