Romania's defence ministry has stated that the US intends to reduce its troops stationed on NATO's eastern flank.
US troop levels will drop from 1,700 to between 900 and 1,000, a decision that was anticipated due to shifting military priorities under the Trump administration. The Pentagon clarified that this adjustment does not imply a withdrawal from Europe or a decreased commitment to NATO's Article 5, which mandates collective defense among members.
Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu relayed that US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently urged European nations to prioritize their own defenses, indicating that the US military focus is pivoting towards the Indo-Pacific region.
One US brigade based at Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase will rotate out without replacement. Mosteanu mentioned that while this brigade is stationed across Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, it remains unclear if troop reductions will extend to these countries.
The status of US military presence in Romania's Deveselu and Campia Turzii bases will remain unchanged. The announcement raises concerns among Eastern European nations about potential threats from Russia, especially in light of recent escalating tensions with Russian drone incursions into neighboring airspace.
NATO officials underscored that such adjustments are normal and reassured that the US maintains a larger military presence in Europe than it has for many years, with over 100,000 personnel stationed on the continent.
The ongoing geopolitical climate has prompted discussions within NATO about enhancing collective security, particularly following a series of incidents involving Russian military activities along its borders.
