EPC leaders discuss conflicts, energy security and US troop withdrawals
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · May 4
EPC leaders discuss conflicts, energy security and US troop withdrawals
13 articles · Updated · DW (English) · May 4
At the Yerevan meeting of leaders from 48 countries, Italy's Giorgia Meloni opposed any US troop pullout from Italy, where about 12,000 US personnel are stationed.
Keir Starmer acknowledged alliance tension with Washington over Iran, while Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged a common European line and said Kyiv and the EU had advanced a major drone deal.
Canada's Mark Carney became the first non-European EPC attendee, and Turkey sent Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz to Armenia for the first such high-level visit since 2013.
With US troops departing, can Europe build a unified military to face both Russian and Middle Eastern threats?
As Canada pivots toward Europe, can it truly reduce its deep economic and security reliance on the United States?
Is America's European withdrawal a calculated pivot to Asia or a move that risks fracturing the Western alliance?
U.S. Withdraws 5,000 Troops from Germany in 2026: Strategic Shift and Transatlantic Fallout
Overview
In May 2026, the Pentagon announced a withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, reducing forces from 36,000 to 30,000 by early 2027. This decision reflects both a strategic U.S. pivot toward the Indo-Pacific and escalating political tensions with Germany, fueled by disagreements over Middle East policy and broader transatlantic disputes. The move sparked concern among U.S. lawmakers and NATO allies about weakening deterrence in Europe. In response, Germany is rapidly expanding its military and increasing defense spending, while Europe pursues greater strategic autonomy despite challenges like procurement inefficiencies and reliance on U.S. and Chinese technology. The withdrawal intensifies NATO strains, highlighting the urgent need for renewed transatlantic cooperation and burden-sharing.