German Defense Minister Warns US Could Withdraw All Troops From Europe
Axios (Tổng hợp từ Interfax)
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that the US could consider a full military withdrawal from Europe, after Washington decided to remove 5,000 troops from Germany. He called the move a potential first step in a larger plan, urging European nations to bolster their own defense capabilities.
On May 2, 2026, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the US could consider a full withdrawal of its military from Europe, following Washington's recent decision to adjust forces in the region.
Speaking to the press, Pistorius argued that the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany is not an isolated move but could be the first step in a broader withdrawal plan. He said this would fundamentally change Europe's security structure, which has relied heavily on the US military presence for decades.
The US currently maintains about 35,000 troops in Germany, home to key American military bases in Europe. The decision to remove 5,000 troops, roughly 14% of the force, comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump reassesses global security commitments.
The German defense minister urged European nations to strengthen intra-bloc security cooperation and invest more heavily in their own defense capabilities to reduce reliance on external protection.
The US troop withdrawal is expected to be carried out over the next 12 months, directly affecting military bases in the states of Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate.
