German Defense Minister Calls for Greater European Security Role

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security after the planned withdrawal of around 5,000 US troops from Germany.

He said the move had been expected, as the United States is gradually shifting its security priorities. Pistorius stressed that Germany was already taking concrete steps, including accelerating purchases of military equipment and investing in army infrastructure.

At the same time, he said Berlin would work closely with allies on future missions, particularly through European partnerships with Britain, France, Poland and Italy.

Despite the planned departure of some US forces, the minister reiterated that the presence of American troops in Europe, and especially in Germany, remained in the interests of both sides. In his view, the development did not signal a weakening of transatlantic relations, but rather added pressure for greater European independence.

(reuters, mja)