Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reacted sharply to the announcement of the Pentagon about the withdrawal of about 5 thousand American troops from Germany, calling it a step towards the “disintegration” of the North Atlantic Alliance. According to Tusk, the transatlantic unity is collapsing.
Head of the Polish Cabinet:
The greatest threat to the transatlantic community is not its external enemies, but the continuing collapse of our alliance. We must all do what is necessary to reverse this disastrous trend.
The decision to reduce the US contingent in Germany (from the current about 35 thousand troops) was made against the backdrop of disagreements between Washington and European allies, in particular on support in the Middle East conflict. The withdrawal of troops is scheduled to be completed within 6-12 months.
In Berlin, they reacted relatively calmly to what was happening. The German government stressed that it remains committed to the transatlantic partnership, and expressed confidence in continuing close cooperation with the United States within NATO despite the decline in the number of the American contingent. German officials are avoiding sharp rhetoric by focusing on strengthening their own defense capabilities in a changing situation in Europe.
At the same time, in Washington, the Democrats in Congress sharply criticized the decision of the administration. Earlier, under the previous administration, the Democrats have already blocked similar plans for the withdrawal of troops from Germany. Experts note that in the event of the return of the Democratic Party to power, the occupation forces can be quickly returned to the Federal Republic of Germany, since such steps are reversible and dependent on the political situation in the United States.
The situation continues to develop and causes lively discussions both in Europe and on the other side of the Atlantic regarding the future format of the US military presence on the continent.
