US troop drawback underlines European defence responsibility, German minister says
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Europeans must take greater responsibility for their own security following the U.S. announcement to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. He affirmed that Germany is advancing in strengthening its armed forces, procurement, and military infrastructure. While the U.S. military presence remains in both German and American interests, Pistorius noted that a gradual withdrawal from Europe was foreseeable.
- ▪The U.S. plans to withdraw 5,000 military personnel from Germany, reducing the current troop count of nearly 40,000.
- ▪German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized Europe's need to assume greater defence responsibilities.
- ▪Germany is expanding its Bundeswehr, improving procurement speed, and building military infrastructure to bolster national defence.
- ▪Pistorius stated that the presence of U.S. troops in Germany serves the interests of both countries.
- ▪European NATO members face budget constraints and capability gaps that will delay full self-reliance in defence.
- ▪The withdrawal follows U.S. criticism of European defence spending levels.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
US troop drawback underlines European defence responsibility, German minister saysSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxSoldiers stand next to a razor wire at a media day during the U.S. Army Combined Resolve exercise at the U.S. Army's southern Germany training facilities in Hohenfels, Germany, April 30, 2026. REUTERS/Angelika WarmuthPublished May 02, 2026, 04:04 PMUpdated May 02, 2026, 04:04 PMBERLIN, May 2 - Europeans must take greater responsibility for their own security, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Saturday in response to the announcement of U.S.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.