Otan: the United States confirms a reduction of its military presence in Europe

Senator Marco Rubio confirmed to the press that there would indeed be “less American troops” in the long run, following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, southern Sweden. “None of this is surprising to me, although I understand that it can create some nervousness among European allies,” he added.

He also announced that an adjustment should be announced “today or in the coming days,” regarding what some at NATO call “the cavalry,” the pool of forces that could be mobilized within 180 days if necessary. President Donald Trump once again caught his European allies by surprise by announcing on Thursday the deployment of some 5,000 additional soldiers in Poland, after announcing in early May the withdrawal of 5,000 American troops from Germany.

Context: NATO meeting regarding troop adjustments and deployments in Europe.

Fact Check: Donald Trump announced additional troops in Poland and withdrawal from Germany.

Confusing Situation

“This was not punitive,” assured the US Secretary of State. “Marco Rubio was extremely cordial and composed. I think there are messages he delivers that sometimes upset European allies, but they are more intended for his domestic policy,” explained Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot to AFP.

The current situation is rather “confusing,” judged Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard, host of the meeting, the first for her country, a NATO member since only 2024. “It’s not always easy to navigate it.” European NATO countries, while now recognizing the inevitability of decreased American engagement in Europe, still hope it happens without too many surprises.

The American president has been upset since Europeans refused to engage with his war against Iran. “The president’s positions reflect, in fact, a disappointment with some of our NATO allies,” emphasized Marco Rubio, adding that a response would be needed.

Backup Plan

He also mentioned the need for a “Plan B” if Iran persists in refusing to unblock the Strait of Hormuz or imposing a toll. “I don’t know if it would necessarily be a NATO mission, but NATO countries will definitely need to contribute,” he declared. Yet, the Europeans have not remained inactive. “They have heard the message,” assured NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Warships have been prepositioned near the Strait of Hormuz – a strategic maritime route through which a fifth of the world’s oil flows during peacetime – as part of an international coalition set up by London and Paris, Mark Rutte recalled. The American president also demands that Europeans take more responsibility for their own security.

And to reassure the White House about their commitment to ramp up defense of their continent, they are preparing to announce a series of arms deals, including several with the United States, according to diplomats in Brussels. However, nothing should be unveiled before the NATO summit in Ankara in July, with the hope that these agreements will satisfy Donald Trump, eagerly awaited by Europeans in Turkey.