Romania’s Minister of Defense Ionuț Moștianu speaks during a press conference about U.S. plans to reduce the number of troops deployed on the eastern flank of Europe in Bucharest, Romania, October 29, 2025. REUTERS/Inquam/Octav Ganea
Romania’s Minister of Defense, Ionuț Moșteanu, said on Tuesday that he would appear before Parliament to clarify the issue of reducing the U.S. troop contingent on the country’s territory.
Romanian media reported.
He noted that he would come to Parliament to discuss issues related to the U.S. contingent, to the extent possible within debates using secret and confidential data.
“when it fits the Prime Minister’s schedule”
– Ionuț Moșteanu
“to the extent possible within debates using secret and confidential data”
– Ionuț Moșteanu
The minister added that Romania feels NATO support, and the defense of the country is not vulnerable.
“Allies are here, they are with us. Defense and deterrence are not only about the number of troops. Romania’s defense is not vulnerable because we are in this NATO defense alliance, which allows us to sleep peacefully, which tonight has scrambled its aircraft”
– Ionuț Moșteanu
Earlier, Romania’s Ministry of Defense stated that the U.S. informed Bucharest and other NATO allies about reducing the number of American troops on the eastern flank as part of a reevaluation of the United States’ global military presence.
NATO said that even taking these adjustments into account, the number of American troops in Europe remains significantly higher than in previous years.
According to government sources, the U.S. plans to withdraw about 800 troops from Romania, with a reduction of the contingent also being considered in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The European Union notes that changes on NATO’s eastern flank do not alter its plans to strengthen defense: the EU continues to work on a roadmap for monitoring the eastern flank with a clear timeline for implementation through 2026.
Context and Significance for Regional Defense
These steps underscore the importance of stability in the region and NATO’s role in ensuring security on the eastern border. Talks between Bucharest and Washington will continue, as discussions about the deployment of U.S. forces remain a topic for consultations among European allies.