Japanese Media: U.S. Military Withdrawal Forces Europe Towards a New Security Normal

Reference News Network, July 26 The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun published an article on July 23 titled "The New Normal of European Security: The Real Implications of U.S. Troop Withdrawal," with the main content as follows:

Here is Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. The largest U.S. military base in Europe—Ramstein Air Base—is located here.

This small town has just over 8,000 residents but is home to 9,000 U.S. soldiers. In May of this year, U.S. President Trump announced a plan to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Germany by more than 5,000, shaking the entire town.

What would the situation be for European defense if most U.S. troops stationed in Europe were to withdraw?

After the Cold War, European countries prioritized developing their economies and cutting defense spending, relying on the U.S. military to undertake key defense tasks, including surveillance and air defense. A report from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs expressed concerns in January, stating that "Europe cannot fully replace the United States."

Due to concerns over the Russia-Ukraine conflict and distrust of the United States, European countries have begun to strengthen their military capabilities.

In late May, 16-year-old high school student Mattis Denker, living in Berlin, could hardly believe his eyes when he received a postcard. The sender was the German Bundeswehr. His surname was printed in large font on the postcard against a camouflage background.

The postcard looked like a name tag on a military uniform and was an invitation to participate in an event aimed at sparking young people's interest in the military. The military sent these postcards to about 630,000 young men and women approaching the age of 18.

This incident sparked controversy in Germany, as it evoked memories of wartime conscription notices. "I'm not interested in the military; this is creepy," Denker said, as he declined the invitation.

German Chancellor Merz announced plans to build the Bundeswehr into "the strongest conventional army in Europe," with a plan to expand the current force of 180,000 to 260,000 by 2035, and to increase the reserve personnel from 60,000 to 200,000.

After the Cold War, European countries significantly reduced their military forces, and voluntary military service became the norm. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, discussions about reinstating conscription intensified.

Norway and Denmark began implementing mandatory military service for women in 2015 and 2025, respectively. Other countries are also considering reinstating it. These countries share a commonality in that they have genuinely felt the crisis and believe that their current military forces are insufficient to withstand a military conflict with Russia.

In France, the experience of being occupied by Nazi Germany has fostered a defense awareness that transcends gender boundaries among the French public. France will launch a voluntary, time-limited military service system in September. As of May, about 5,000 people had applied, which is 1.6 times the target number, with 20% being women. A public opinion poll conducted in France in 2023 among the 18 to 25 age group showed that more than half (57%) of women support mandatory military service.

In countries geographically close to Russia, citizen participation in emergency training has become a new normal.

Last year, Poland began military training for citizens, focusing on first aid and survival skills to respond to emergencies.

"I want to learn how to protect my family in an emergency," said 44-year-old Ursula, who participated in training in January of this year. On that day, about 60 people learned how to use fire extinguishers and start fires. The government plans to provide such training for about 400,000 citizens by 2027.

In Finland, which borders Russia, the Finnish Defence Forces Training Association (MPK) offers a variety of training, from rifle use to shelter survival. The number of participants has been increasing year by year, and by 2025, 93,000 people, including reservists, will have been exposed to firearms. Currently, women make up 20% of the total participants.

"The dedication of the people is admirable," said an MPK staff member, praising this situation as a reflection of changes in Europe.

The United States is now prioritizing the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific region, and the security relationship between the U.S. and Europe is being readjusted. Many things can only be provided by the U.S., such as satellite-based intelligence and precision-guided munitions.

Nevertheless, Europe has begun to take action. The share of defense investment within NATO by Europe has increased from about 25% in 2015 to about 40%.

Europe's advantage lies in its population and economic strength, which far exceed those of Russia, while the challenge is how to translate this economic strength into combat capability. (Translated by Liu Lin)