Wadephul Calls on Europe to Build Its Own Defense Capabilities
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said he is confident that a planned reduction in US troop numbers in Germany will not create a gap in NATO's deterrent capability in Europe.
Speaking after Washington announced a drawdown of its military presence, Wadephul argued the move was not a weakening of security but an incentive for European countries to develop their own capabilities without delay.
"We must understand this as a renewed call to develop and deploy our own capabilities more quickly. There is absolutely no way around it", he told a news conference in Athens.
He also stressed the need for close dialogue with the United States, saying Berlin needed to know exactly which decisions had already been made and where there was still room to influence them.
Wadephul's remarks reflect a broader shift within NATO, where member states are increasingly expected to take on greater responsibility for their own defense. He indicated that Europe must be prepared to assume a larger share of that burden, while stressing that cooperation with the US remains essential.