YEREVAN: Leaders from Europe and Canada met to address growing security concerns following signals from Donald Trump about reducing American military presence on the continent.
Speaking during the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, NATO allies reacted cautiously to Washington’s plan to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, while emphasizing the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence.
Trump raised further uncertainty about the future of the alliance after announcing the troop reduction, reportedly following tensions with Berlin over the Iran conflict.
Despite the development, European leaders and Mark Carney expressed readiness to strengthen regional security efforts.
“Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defence and security spending, and building their own common solutions,” said Emmanuel Macron.
Trump has repeatedly argued that Europe should shoulder more of its defence burden rather than relying heavily on the United States, a stance he maintained during both of his terms in office.
Amid concerns over Washington’s commitment and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, NATO allies have already been increasing defence budgets. Last year, members pledged to raise military spending to five percent of GDP under US pressure.
Although divisions over the Iran war may have accelerated the decision, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied any direct link between the troop withdrawal and his disagreement with Trump.
“There has been a talk about withdrawal US troops for a long time from Europe,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. “But of course, the timing of this announcement comes as a surprise.” “It shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in Nato, and we have to really do more,” she added, noting that “American troops are not in Europe only for protecting European interests, but also American interests”.
The Pentagon confirmed that the 5,000-troop reduction would be implemented within a year, while Trump hinted that the cuts could go “a lot further”.
He has also indicated the possibility of withdrawing forces from Italy and Spain, citing their lack of support for US-Israeli operations against Iran. As of late 2025, the US had 36,436 troops stationed in Germany, 12,662 in Italy, and 3,814 in Spain.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged “some disappointment on the US side” over Europe’s stance on Iran but said allies had “heard the message”. He added that European countries are now offering logistical backing to US operations and positioning “key assets close to theatre, for the next phase”.
