NATO Says US Troop Withdrawal Increases Pressure on Europe

NATO is discussing the details of the planned reduction of US military forces in Germany with Washington. The alliance is analyzing the implications of the move for Europe’s security architecture, spokeswoman Allison Hart said.

She stressed that Washington’s decision once again highlights the need for European countries to invest more heavily in defense and assume a greater share of responsibility for common security.

According to NATO, a shift in this direction is already underway. At the Hague Summit, allies committed to increasing defense spending to as much as 5% of gross domestic product, a move intended to strengthen the European pillar of the alliance.

NATO representatives also said that, despite the planned changes, the organization remains capable of providing both deterrence and defense.

(reuters, mja)