NATO rules out "surprise decisions" regarding withdrawal of US troops from Europe

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said that any changes to the US military presence in Europe are planned, coordinated within the Alliance and will not come as a surprise to allies.

Source: Shekerinska in an interview with Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne

Details: The official confirmed reports of certain movements of US units, including contingents in Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.

Nevertheless, Shekerinska stressed that these actions are not unusual. She said that a policy of "surprise decisions" in relations among allies is completely out of the question.

Shekerinska said that everything was being done in full coordination and with full awareness, and that NATO was working to make its presence on the eastern flank stronger and more flexible.

Separately, she commented on the role of European countries in the security architecture. She noted that Europe is already shouldering a much larger share of the defence burden, while continuing to rely on support from the United States.

The deputy secretary general also dismissed suggestions that there is a specific date by which Europe must become the main guarantor of security on the continent.

Shekerinska said that there was no deadline, but that the process of shifting the initiative to European allies was already under way.

Responding to questions about the likelihood of a complete withdrawal of US troops, Shekerinska noted that there is currently no fixed timetable.

NATO emphasises that the US presence will continue to play an important role in deterring threats. However, the new security model being developed by the Alliance envisages significantly stronger European leadership in ensuring stability on the continent.

Background:

• Earlier, Reuters, citing Pentagon officials, reported that the US is urging its European NATO allies to effectively assume responsibility for the Alliance's conventional defence by 2027, including intelligence and missile capabilities.
• On 10 December, the US House of Representatives passed the defence budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which limits the Pentagon's ability to reduce troop numbers in Europe to fewer than 76,000 personnel.

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