NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Armenia that European leaders have 'gotten the message' regarding US disappointment over the Iran conflict and are 'stepping up' their defense efforts.

'European leaders have gotten the message. They heard the message loud and clear,' Rutte said, acknowledging 'disappointment on the US side' over European nations' resistance to joining the war.

His comments came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a major withdrawal of US troops from Germany, which was seemingly prompted by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's claim that the US was being 'humiliated' by Iran.

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the troop reduction, stating that Europe must learn to live without depending on the US for defense. 'Europeans are taking their destiny into their own hands, increasing their defence and security spending, and building their own common solutions,' Macron said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Macron's sentiments, saying 'we have to step up our military capabilities to be able to defend and protect ourselves.'

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called Trump's move a 'surprise' but noted that talks of a US troop drawdown had been ongoing for some time.

The EPC summit, comprising 44 member states, is being held in Yerevan, Armenia. Key agenda items include the wars in Ukraine and Iran, energy security, and supporting Armenia's democracy and peace process with Azerbaijan.

Source: www.dw.com