Overview
- Romania’s defense minister said the step halts the rotation of a U.S. brigade with elements in Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary rather than withdrawing forces.
- About 1,000 U.S. personnel will remain in Romania, with officials emphasizing continued deterrence and alliance commitments.
- Key sites stay active, including the Deveselu missile‑defense installation and the Câmpia Turzii and Mihail Kogălniceanu air bases, with a combat air group retained at Mihail Kogălniceanu.
- A NATO official described the change as an “adjustment” and noted the U.S. military footprint in Europe remains larger than before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Reporting links the decision to the administration’s stated push for greater European defense responsibility, including pressure associated with President Donald Trump’s demands for higher spending.