The NATO foreign ministers will meet in Sweden on Thursday and Friday. The EU partners are pressing for commitments from their counterpart Marco Rubio.
May 20, 2026, 10:57 p.mMay 20, 2026, 10:57 p.m
Peter Riesbeck / t-online
Nervousness in Europe is increasing. First the USA announced the withdrawal of 5,000 men from Germany. Then the US Army shocked with the news that it had canceled a promised troop transfer of 4,000 soldiers from Texas to Poland. Before the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, the EU allies are now putting pressure on the issue.
Donald Trump and his Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will represent the USA at the NATO meeting in Sweden.Image: keystone
Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna told the Financial Times: “We need to find out in a closely coordinated way what the future plans look like. We have no information whatsoever,” said Tsahkna, whose country borders directly on Russia. The politician continues: “Poland is part of our defense line.”
Warning of the “perfect storm”
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkor warned of a “perfect storm” at a conference. He pointed to a combination of political turmoil in Britain, the prospect of a victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right in next year’s French presidential election and changes to the US troop presence in Europe.
The decision to redeploy troops caused massive uncertainty in Europe. There was also criticism in the US Congress. Republican MP Don Bacon called for MPs to be involved and declared: “This is a slap in the face to Poland; it is a slap in the face to our Baltic friends. It’s a slap in the face to this committee.”
Wadephul travels to NATO meetings
In Germany, the Vielseck location in Bavaria is probably affected by the US plans. But there is also a lack of information here. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Wednesday that there was “still no really reliable confirmation.” It is heard that the number of US brigades in Europe should be reduced by one unit. “The extent to which troops stationed in Germany will be affected is still an open question,” the SPD politician continued.
The meeting of foreign ministers begins in the evening with a shared meal, which will primarily focus on continued support for Ukraine. Also present are the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha as well as the Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and King Carl XVI. Gustaf invited.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul from Germany is expected in Helsingborg, US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio only wants to take part in the discussions on Friday. He recently criticized Spain in particular for its lack of support for US actions against Iran – and announced that the US would later reassess the alliance.
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