(MENAFN) The United States plans to lessen its military presence in several eastern flank countries, including Romania, according to Romania’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday, after formally notifying NATO allies of the decision.

The US informed its partners that some troop deployments on NATO's eastern flank will be scaled back, a media outlet reported, citing a statement from the Defense Ministry.

Romanian officials clarified that these adjustments do not constitute a full withdrawal. Rather, the rotations in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary will conclude, while approximately 1,000 soldiers are expected to remain stationed in the region, according to official statistics.

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

The statement added that "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."

The report detailed that roughly 800 US troops will be withdrawn, mainly from the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, while personnel at Deveselu and Campia Turzii will remain unchanged.

This decision comes after an April report by a news agency indicated that the US was contemplating a reduction of nearly half its current forces in Eastern Europe.

The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized that NATO allies need to take greater responsibility for their defense, with President Donald Trump frequently criticizing the decades-old military alliance.

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