Event Brief
Rutte says US troop withdrawal won’t weaken NATO
Filed: May 20, 2026 at 11:04 AM ET
Summary: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the US withdrawal from Europe is expected and will not undermine NATO defence plans.
WHO: Mark Rutte
WHAT: Said the gradual US troop withdrawal from Europe is “no surprise” and will not weaken NATO’s defence plans, citing a wider rebalancing of responsibilities.
WHEN: May 20, 2026 at 8:04 AM ET
WHERE: Brussels, Belgium
WHY: The remarks followed the Pentagon’s confirmation of a planned withdrawal of 5,000 personnel from Germany and cancellation of a 4,000-strong brigade rotation to Poland.
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