The United States has decided to reduce the number of troops stationed on NATO’s eastern flank, with units in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary among those affected, Romania’s Ministry of Defense confirmed on Wednesday.
According to a report by Romania Insider, Washington has already informed its allies about the decision. Romanian officials clarified, however, that this is not a full troop withdrawal, but rather the conclusion of a rotational deployment. Around 1,000 US soldiers are expected to remain stationed in Romania.
In a statement, the Romanian Defense Ministry said the US troop realignment reflects the new priorities of President Donald Trump’s administration, first outlined in February.
The ministry added that as NATO has reinforced its presence and operations along its eastern borders, the United States is now able to restructure its military posture in the region.
Government data indicates that about 800 American troops will be withdrawn from the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base, while troop levels at Deveselu and Câmpia Turzii will remain unchanged.
An NBC News report in April suggested that the US planned to withdraw nearly half of its forces in Eastern Europe, and Romania’s announcement appears to mark the implementation of that plan.
The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized that NATO member states must assume greater responsibility for their own defense. Since beginning his second term, President Trump has reaffirmed that position.
NATO has not yet commented on the US decision.
