“ The reduction in the number of the US military contingent in Romania and other EU states will not affect the European Union’s plans to implement the first part of the “Guard of the Eastern Flank” defense program in 2026. Source: European Commission spokesman Tom Rainier in comments to journalists in Brussels, the correspondent of “European Pravda” reports. Details: In 2026, the EU plans to strengthen the defense capabilities of the eastern flank, regardless of the US decision to reduce the military contingent in Europe. Direct language: “As far as the troops are concerned, of course we take into account this statement (the US on the withdrawal of part of the military contingent from Romania – “EP”). But, to be completely clear, this does not in any way change our plans to implement the defense roadmap that we presented, as well as the four key areas identified in it.” Details: Rainier recalled that the EU has a clear objective: to start the launch of the Eastern Flank Watch project in the first quarter of 2026, and by the end of 2026 to “provide the first initial operational capabilities of the Eastern Flank Watch”. “Of course, we take note of this statement, but we have a clear vision and a defined course for strengthening European defense capabilities,” he said. The spokesman added that all EU defense plans will be implemented in close coordination with NATO and NATO partners. What preceded: on October 29, the Ministry of Defense of Romania confirmed the information that the USA is reducing the number of its troops that were deployed in Europe. In the spring, the United States announced the redeployment of the American military from the Jasionka airport in Poland, which is a key hub for aid to Ukraine. Earlier it was reported that the USA is considering the possibility of withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe.”, — write: www.pravda.com.ua
EU flags, photo by Getty Images Source: European Commission spokesman Tom Rainier in comments to journalists in Brussels, the correspondent of “European Pravda” reports
Details: In 2026, the EU plans to strengthen the defense capabilities of the eastern flank, regardless of the US decision to reduce the military contingent in Europe.
Advertising:
Direct speech: “As far as the troops are concerned, of course we take into account this statement (the US withdrawal of part of the military contingent from Romania – “EP”). But, to be clear, this does not in any way change our plans to implement the defense roadmap that we presented, as well as the four key areas identified in it.”
Details: Rainier recalled that the EU has a clear goal: to start the launch of the Eastern Flank Watch project in the first quarter of 2026, and by the end of 2026 to “provide the first initial operational capabilities of the Eastern Flank Watch.”
“Of course, we take note of this statement, but we have a clear vision and a defined course for strengthening European defense capabilities,” he said.
The spokesman added that all EU defense plans will be implemented in close coordination with NATO and NATO partners.
What preceded: On October 29, the Ministry of Defense of Romania confirmed the information that the US is reducing the number of its troops that were deployed in Europe.
In the spring, the United States announced the redeployment of the American military from the Jasionka airport in Poland, which is a key hub for aid to Ukraine.
Earlier it was reported that the USA is considering the possibility of withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe.