(MENAFN) The United States will reduce its military presence in several Eastern European countries, including Romania, the Romanian Defense Ministry announced Wednesday, after formally notifying NATO allies of the plan.

Citing a Defense Ministry statement, Romania Insider reported that the U.S. has informed its allies about the decision to scale back troop rotations on NATO’s eastern flank.

Romanian officials stressed that the changes do not constitute a full withdrawal. About 1,000 U.S. soldiers will remain stationed in the country, with the adjustment primarily affecting rotations in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

"The resizing of US forces represents an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced as early as February," the statement said, referring to the Trump administration, which returned to office on Jan. 20 for a second term.

"The decision also took into account the fact that NATO has strengthened its presence and activity on the Eastern Flank, which allows the United States to adjust its military posture in the region."

According to the report, roughly 800 U.S. troops will be pulled back, mainly from Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, while forces at Deveselu and Campia Turzii will remain in place.

The announcement follows an April media report indicating that the U.S. was considering reducing about half of its current troop presence in Eastern Europe.

The Trump administration has consistently emphasized that NATO allies need to contribute more to their own defense, with President Donald Trump frequently criticizing the alliance.

As of Wednesday, NATO has not issued an official comment on the U.S. troop adjustment.

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