The European continent is likely to invest more in its security as a result of the US president’s inauguration, with Donald Trump at the helm. The new administration in Washington reportedly plans to reduce the US contingent in Europe by a fifth, which could lead to the withdrawal of around 20,000 soldiers. This was reported by the Italian news agency ANSA on Thursday, citing a source in Brussels.
Furthermore, Trump is said to be considering a “substantial financial contribution” for the upkeep of the remaining troops. According to the ANSA, the president argues that US soldiers in Europe are stationed for deterrent purposes, and therefore, the costs of their presence should not only be borne by American taxpayers. The source of the news agency, however, emphasized that these discussions are currently in an early phase, and that Europe will initially focus on strengthening its defense capabilities.
Additionally, Trump is reiterating his long-held demand that NATO member states increase their defense spending to at least 5 percent of their gross domestic product. According to the EU’s foreign affairs chief, Kaja Kallas, EU member states averaged 1.9 percent of their GDP for defense spending in the past year.
In March 2022, the Pentagon reported on the possibility of sending an additional 20,000 soldiers to Europe in the context of the Ukraine conflict. As a result, the US contingent in European countries reached 100,000 soldiers, with 65,000 stationed permanently. The largest troop contingent of the US military in Europe is currently stationed in Germany, with around 36,000 soldiers, according to recent figures.