NATO Secretary General Rutte Warns of Potential US Military Presence Reduction in Europe

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that European countries must be prepared for a potential reduction in the number of American troops on the continent. This announcement followed a NATO ministerial meeting, where Rutte responded to journalists' questions regarding the review of the US contribution to the Alliance's force model.

Journalists asked Rutte if he had received any news about a possible reduction in the American contingent in Europe from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was also present at the meeting. The NATO Secretary General emphasized that this information is classified, but European allies should prepare for such a scenario.

«The US contribution to NATO's force model is currently being discussed at the level of political leaders. So this process is ongoing, but, you know, be prepared for it, because we know that the US has to think. If there are threats in several theaters of war, how can we ensure that all forces and means are where we need them?» Rutte noted. He added that European allies and Canada will have to focus more on their own defense.

Rutte explained that the risks of a reduction in the US military presence in Europe are not new and are related to the need to reallocate resources. «There is nothing new in this. Everyone knew this was happening, and it has nothing to do with the US wanting to equalize the burden. It has to do with them not being able to be everywhere at once,» the NATO Secretary General concluded.