EditPoland and Romania: Europe’s outliers in welcoming American troops
Critics within Europe, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, caution against appearing to “steal” troops from other allies
Across much of Europe, the idea of hosting American military bases elicits strong opposition from the public. Yet Poland stands out dramatically as the clearest exception, with a solid majority of citizens actively supporting a larger U.S. military footprint on their soil. Romania follows as the only other European country where favorable views slightly outnumber opposition, though with far more divided sentiment, according to a new study.
This contrast has taken on fresh urgency following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw at least 5,000 American soldiers from Germany in response to Berlin’s criticism of the U.S. role in the war with Iran.
The redeployment debate highlights deeper fault lines in transatlantic relations. While Western European capitals often view Washington through a lens of competition or outright skepticism, Eastern allies continue to see American troops as the ultimate guarantee of security against potential Russian aggression. Governments in Warsaw, Bucharest, and the Baltic states are actively lobbying for a shift of U.S. forces eastward, framing it as a strategic necessity for NATO’s eastern flank rather than a slight against their Western partners.
Public opinion divides Europe
A comprehensive poll conducted in March and April for the annual Democracy Perception Index across 98 countries, including 17 EU member states, reveals striking differences. Nearly 51 percent of Polish respondents favored the presence of a U.S. military base in their country, while only 23 percent opposed it. This level of support sets Poland apart from virtually every other European nation surveyed, where opposition tends to dominate. Romania registered the second-highest level of approval in Europe, with 39.8 percent in favor, 37.3 percent against, and 22.8 percent undecided, creating a narrow plurality but underscoring a much more contested domestic debate.
These figures provide valuable political backing for Polish President Karol Nawrocki’s outreach to the Trump administration. When asked this week about potentially relocating U.S. forces to Poland, Trump responded positively, noting strong personal rapport with Nawrocki, whom he described as “a great fighter, a terrific guy.” Later U. S. defence media reports that the Trump administration has halted the planned deployment of more than 4,000 US troops to Poland as part of a wider overhaul of America’s military footprint in Europe. Polish officials were reportedly caught off guard by the decision.
Interestingly, the same survey showed relatively muted opposition in Germany and the United Kingdom – nations that already host substantial numbers of American troops, compared to many other European states. This suggests that familiarity with the U.S. presence may temper resistance once bases are established. According to U.S. Defence Department data from March, nearly 70,000 American troops serve in Europe, with more than half stationed in Germany. Poland currently hosts around 10,000 U.S. personnel, including both permanent and rotational forces at key sites such as the Redzikowo naval support facility and the 5th U.S. Army Corps headquarters in Poznań.
Beyond Europe, only Israel and South Korea displayed comparable or higher levels of public support for American bases. South Korea, which hosts roughly 28,000 U.S. troops, saw 41 percent approval against 26.6 percent opposition. In Israel, the figures stood at 48.9 percent in favor and 27.7 percent against, reflecting their status as close strategic partners.
Eastern leaders court U.S. forces
The strategic calculations driving these preferences became evident during a joint appearance by Romanian President Nicușor Dan and his Polish counterpart Karol Nawrocki in Bucharest on 12 May, ahead of the Bucharest 9 (B9) summit. Both leaders signaled openness to absorbing troops potentially leaving Germany, emphasizing the importance of bolstering NATO’s eastern defences.
President Dan highlighted Romania’s desire for a more robust American presence, noting that approximately 1,500 U.S. soldiers are currently stationed there. He pointed to ongoing investments at Mihail Kogălniceanu base, including a multi-billion-euro phased development project. Dan stressed that welcoming more U.S. forces represented no disloyalty to European partners but rather a pragmatic decision aligned with collective defense. “This is a decision that depends entirely on the United States of America,” he remarked, adding that Romania would be pleased to serve as a strong host for NATO.
President Nawrocki echoed this stance, arguing that responsible European leaders must work to retain American soldiers on the continent, particularly along the vulnerable eastern flank. He disclosed that he had directly conveyed Poland’s readiness to Trump during a 3 May conversation. Nawrocki framed the move not as competition among allies but as a necessary step for regional security that would ultimately benefit the entire eastern flank and the B9 format. Polish Deputy Defence Minister Paweł Zalewski had earlier informed parliament that Poland stands prepared to expand its hosting capacity.
Similar overtures have come from the Baltic states. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, and Estonian officials have all expressed support for an enhanced U.S. presence to ensure robust deterrence. Romanian Defence Minister Radu Miruță and Deputy Defence Minister Sorin Moldovan have reinforced the message, underscoring Romania’s reliability as a U.S. partner.
Analysts anticipate further adjustments under Trump, potentially including reductions in Italy and the abandonment of certain Biden-era plans for long-range missiles in Germany. Reports suggest possible withdrawals from exercises or reallocations from less enthusiastic hosts to more welcoming ones, a pattern foreshadowed during Trump’s first term when additional forces were sent to Poland. The Pentagon has declined to comment on specifics, and final decisions on redeployments remain pending.
Strategic imperative on the Eastern flank
For Poland and Romania, the logic is straightforward. Bordering or lying near Russia’s sphere of influence and having witnessed Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, these nations view U.S. troops as the most credible deterrent. Their consistent pro-American orientation, even amid broader transatlantic tensions, positions them favorably in Washington’s eyes.
Critics within Europe, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, caution against appearing to “steal” troops from other allies. Yet for Eastern governments, the opportunity to strengthen deterrence outweighs such concerns. As diplomatic cables and direct appeals to U.S. officials intensify, the coming months may determine whether Trump’s troop adjustments reinforce NATO’s eastern bulwark or simply reduce America’s overall European commitment.
Sources: Espress.ro, Ziare, Politico
Poland caught off guard by sudden U.S. troop deployment freeze
Caption: A Romanian Orthodox priest (L) swings a censer to spread the smoke as he blesses the military during a ceremony marking the official anniversary of the Romanian Land Forces, coinciding with the Feast of Saint George, in front of the Unknown Soldier Memorial in Bucharest, Romania, 23 April 2026. Saint George is the official patron saint of the Romanian Land Forces. EPA/ROBERT GHEMENT
Updated: May 15, 2026 - 13:17
