Germany's FM sees no NATO deterrence gap as US plans troop reduction

Johann Wadephul said Germany does not expect any weakening of NATO’s conventional deterrence in Europe after Washington announced plans to reduce its troop presence in the country.

Speaking during a visit to Greece, Wadephul said Europe must accelerate efforts to strengthen its own defence capabilities in response to the planned US drawdown, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We must understand this as a renewed call to develop and deploy our own capabilities more quickly. There is absolutely ‌no ⁠way around it,” he told a press conference in Athens.

The comments came after the United States said it would reduce the number of troops stationed in Germany, a move that has raised questions about NATO’s military posture in Europe.

Wadephul said Berlin would continue close consultations with Washington over the decision and its implications for European security.

He added that Germany ⁠also needs to seek close dialogue with the United States on ⁠which decisions have definitely been taken, and which ⁠options Berlin has to influence those decisions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev