Romania's defence ministry has announced that the US intends to reduce some of its troops stationed on NATO's eastern flank. Between 900 and 1,000 American troops will remain in Romania, down from a previous contingent of 1,700. The decision reflects new priorities under the Trump administration, emphasizing a shift in focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region.
The Pentagon has clarified that this reduction does not signify a withdrawal from Europe nor a decrease in commitment to NATO and Article 5, which ensures collective defense against aggression. Article 5 has been crucial for deterring potential threats, particularly from Russia.
Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu indicated that a US brigade located at the Mihai Kogalniceanu airbase, poised to be NATO's largest in Europe, will be rotated out without replacement. Although specific troop reductions in neighboring Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary remain unclear, Poland has stated it has received no information about any changes in US troop presence.
Mosteanu reaffirmed that the US troops stationed at Romania's Deveselu and Campia Turzii bases will remain unchanged. As President Donald Trump emphasizes the need for European NATO members to enhance their defense, this reduction raises alarms in Eastern Europe, where many countries fear Russian aggression.
In response to Bucharest's announcement, a NATO official reassured allies that Washington's commitment to NATO remains steadfast, insisting that troop adjustments are not unusual and that the overall US presence in Europe is substantial. The Pentagon reported that over 100,000 military personnel are currently deployed across Europe.
The shift follows recent tensions, including Russian drones incursion into Polish airspace, prompting NATO to implement the Eastern Sentry mission aimed at bolstering vigilance along its eastern borders. This strategic pivot by the US prompts critical questions about the future of NATO's defense architecture in light of Russian military behavior.
