According to Peter Beyer, a spokesperson for the EU foreign policy on the CDU, the announced withdrawal of 5,000 US soldiers from Germany is not a response to the dispute between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and US President Donald Trump. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, Beyer stated that characterizing this move as a disciplinary action against Germany, or even specifically against Friedrich Merz, is “completely incorrect” adding that these are rather long-term plans.
Beyer, who previously served as the coordinator for transatlantic cooperation, noted that the potential US soldier withdrawal from Europe, particularly Germany, has been a subject of discussion for some time. He explained that considering the redeployment of US troops from and into Europe has not been limited to Trump; indeed, several US presidents have contemplated such moves for various reasons. According to Beyer, “it has something to do with changing geopolitical realities and interests”.
The CDU politician suggested that Germany will barely notice the overall reduction in troops. However, he also advised against complaining and suggested instead that Germany should thank the United States for finally “grasping reality and investing more quickly in building a modern security infrastructure”.
