NATO plays down US troop cut in Europe

NATO says it remains confident in its defences after the United States decided to pull about 5,000 troops from Germany.

The move has renewed questions over how the security burden is shared within the alliance.

A NATO spokesperson said allies are in close contact with Washington to understand the reasons and impact of the decision.

The alliance says the shift underlines the need for European members to spend more on defence and take on a bigger role.

NATO says there has been progress, with members agreeing to raise defence spending targets.

Germany’s defence minister Boris Pistorius said the US move was expected.

The Pentagon says the withdrawal will take place over the next six to twelve months as part of a wider review of US forces in Europe.