German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that it will be extremely difficult for Europe to compensate for a possible reduction in the US military presence on the continent. His statement came amid growing speculation about the potential withdrawal of some US troops, AFP reports.
“We must be prepared to compensate for the fact that the US will do less in Europe,” Pistorius said on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. He stressed, however, that “this cannot happen overnight,” acknowledging that the transition phase could take years.
US troop cuts: a signal to action?
The president of the Munich Conference, Christoph Goisgen, said on German radio that Washington may announce a significant reduction in its military presence in Europe in the near future.
The reason for this decision is the reorientation of the US strategic focus to Asia, where China remains the main threat to Washington.
“It is an illusion to think that we can compensate for this in less than a year. It will not work,” Pistorius admitted, stressing the need for long-term strategic planning.
A new strategy for European defence
Pistorius said he had offered the US side a roadmap for a gradual redistribution of responsibilities between the allies. The meeting with US Secretary of Defence Pete Hagel took place on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Brussels.
“It has to be a well-coordinated strategy to avoid dangerous gaps in the security architecture,” Pistorius explained, adding that his American counterpart shares this position.
US demands greater investment in security from allies
Meanwhile, US Vice President J.D. Vance reiterated in Munich that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defence.
“It is clear that Germany, as the largest economy in Europe, will play a key role in this process,” Vance said.
The Pentagon chief also urged European partners not to take the US military presence for granted. Speaking in Warsaw, he emphasised:
“We cannot simply assume that America will stay here forever. That’s why now is the time to invest in our own defence,” Hughes said at a joint press conference with the Polish Minister of Defence.
Europe faces a challenge
The potential drawdown of US troops is forcing European countries to strengthen their armed forces and rethink their defence strategy. At the same time, without a clear alternative to US military support, the continent remains vulnerable to new threats.
Is Europe ready to take security into its own hands? The answer to this question will determine the geopolitical balance of the coming years.
