Stubb Urges Europe Not to Panic Over US Troop Cuts

Finnish President Alexander Stubb has urged Europe not to panic after the United States announced that it would withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, reported by Politico, he said Washington would not abandon NATO or Europe.

In Stubb’s view, the US needs a solid base in Europe if it wants to project influence in regions such as the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

He was responding to growing concern within the alliance after a series of statements by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized European allies for low defense spending and hinted at a possible reduction in the American military presence in Europe.

The Finnish president praised European countries for increasing defense spending, but criticized “alarmist public messages”, which he said undermined NATO’s deterrent effect. He also rejected the idea that Europe would remain defenseless without the US, pointing to Finland’s long experience of preparing for possible threats from Russia.

Stubb also signaled support for more direct dialogue with Moscow. He said that “it is time to start negotiating with Russia” and confirmed that European leaders were discussing possible contact with the Kremlin.

(max)