Poland’s prime minister cautions that shifting U.S. military posture could weaken alliance cohesion and raise doubts about mutual defense commitments.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is facing a serious internal threat following U.S. plans to scale back its military presence in Europe, raising concerns about the long-term stability of the alliance.
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that approximately 5,000 U.S. troops will be repositioned from Germany over the next year as part of a broader adjustment in overseas force deployment. President Donald Trump indicated the reduction could extend further, though he did not provide specific figures beyond the current estimate. Roughly 36,000 American personnel are currently stationed in Germany.
Trump has also raised the possibility of relocating forces from other European countries, including Italy and Spain, citing dissatisfaction with their responses to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Although no changes have been announced regarding U.S. forces in Poland, where about 8,500 troops are deployed, Tusk issued a warning about the alliance’s trajectory. In a message posted on X, he stated that “The greatest threat to the transatlantic community are not its external enemies, but the ongoing disintegration of our alliance. We must all do what it takes to reverse this disastrous trend.”
Tusk’s comments follow earlier remarks questioning whether the United States would uphold Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which obligates member nations to defend one another in the event of an attack. Despite repeated assurances from President Trump affirming U.S. commitment to allied defense, Tusk said uncertainty remains.
In an interview with the Financial Times, he said Europe’s central concern is whether the United States is prepared to demonstrate the same level of loyalty outlined in NATO agreements. “I want to believe that [Article 5] is still valid, but sometimes, of course, I have some problems,” Tusk said. “I don’t want to be so pessimistic… but what we need today is also practical context.”
Tusk, a former president of the European Council, has also supported efforts to strengthen the European Union’s military capabilities. Discussions have included the potential development of a unified European defense structure and expanded strategic coordination among member states.
He recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron to examine the possibility of extending France’s nuclear deterrent across Europe, including the option of deploying French nuclear weapons in Poland. Macron has also engaged in similar discussions with other European leaders, including officials in Germany.
German authorities have stated their goal of building the largest military force in Europe by 2039, with plans to reach approximately 460,000 active personnel. However, recruitment challenges persist, with reports indicating limited public willingness to participate in national defense efforts.
Tusk’s remarks highlight growing debate within NATO over burden-sharing, strategic alignment, and the future of transatlantic defense cooperation as geopolitical tensions continue to reshape military priorities.
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