NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that European leaders have “gotten the message” following United States President Donald Trump’s declaration of plans to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.
Trump has expressed growing frustration with NATO allies, accusing them of insufficient support for the US-Israel conflict regarding Iran. On Monday, Rutte recognised the “disappointment from the US side”.
“European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,” NATO chief stated during a European Political Community meeting in Armenia.
“Europeans are taking on a larger role, leading to a stronger NATO,” he added.
The Pentagon revealed the troop withdrawal from Germany on Friday, shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz commented that Iran was humiliating the US during negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict.
The European Union’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, described the timing of the announcement as a “surprise”.
She further stated,”I think it shows that we have to really strengthen the European pillar in NATO, and we have to really do more.”
“American troops are not in Europe only for protecting European interests but also American interests”, the diplomat continued.
Leaked Pentagon email suggests suspending Spain from NATO
Earlier, an internal email from the Pentagon revealed the United States’ frustration with Spain and other NATO allies regarding their refusal to allow bases for strikes on Iran, and it suggested potential pressure concerning defense spending.
A leaked communication indicated that the Pentagon proposed a range of measures aimed at punishing NATO countries that refused to support the US war with Iran, including the suspension of Spain’s NATO membership.
Read more: Pentagon leaked email considers suspending Spain from NATO
