US Troop Withdrawal from Romania: NATO's Eastern Flank Defense Becomes an EU Dilemma

(Image caption: US troops stationed at the "Mihai Ștefan" Air Base in Romania.)

The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced on October 29 (today) that the US Department of Defense has decided to withdraw US forces from the "Mihai Ștefan" Air Base. The department stated in a press release that the adjustment of troop deployments on NATO's eastern flank is part of a broader reassessment of the US military's global deployment posture.

The Romanian Ministry further clarified: "The US has informed Romania and its other allies about the reallocation of its forces in Europe. It will stop rotating brigade-level units in Europe, including those previously stationed at the 'Mihai Ștefan' base responsible for missions in the direction of Romania."

Bucharest said this decision was expected, as Romania has always maintained close communication with the United States, its strategic partner. The adjustment of US troop numbers is a realization of the "New Priorities" announced by the US presidential administration in February this year. In addition, the decision took into account the fact that NATO has strengthened its presence and operational capacity in the east, which has created conditions for the US to adjust its military deployment in the region.

The Romanian Ministry concluded: "The US decision to stop rotating a brigade-level unit in Europe, which had detachments in several NATO countries, means that approximately 1,000 US troops will continue to remain in Romania, providing support in countering various threats and continuing to serve as a demonstration of the US commitment to ensuring regional security."

Previously, Bucharest has consistently denied that the US presence in Romania would be reduced, even emphasizing that "this issue was never mentioned in any political consultations." Local media reports indicate that this major change has raised concerns in Europe and highlights Washington's strategic shift in global military priorities.

It is reported that in April this year, the Romanian Ministry of Defense stated that more than 1,700 American soldiers were deployed in Romania at that time, mainly stationed at three bases: "Mihai Ștefan," "Deveselu," and "Kimpieș-Turzii."

The Romanian Ministry of Defense also revealed at the time: "On March 26, soldiers of the 2nd Brigade of the US Army's 101st Airborne Division 'Strike Task Force' replaced the 3rd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division 'Patriot Task Force' at the 57th Air Base 'Mihai Ștefan.' Currently, there are more than 1,400 US soldiers stationed at the 57th Air Base 'Mihai Ștefan.'"

According to previous reports, the US planned to deploy 20,000 soldiers at the "Mihai Ștefan" Romanian Air Base in Constanța, transforming it into a core hub supporting Ukraine - that is, the most important strategic outpost of NATO in Europe. At that time, the number of NATO soldiers deployed at the base would be double the original plan, and the base would store military supplies prepared for the Ukrainian Armed Forces (ВСУ), including missiles, ammunition, and armored equipment, which would be stored and transported to Ukraine from there.

Bucharest is planning to apply for 400 million euros from the European Commission fund for the modernization of this military base. According to the plan, by 2040, the "Mihai Ștefan" Air Base will become the largest military base in Europe, surpassing the "Ramstein" Air Base in Germany in size.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566580790516957705/

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