Proposals to remove tens of thousands of troops from the continent would be discussed “later in the year,” he added.

The withdrawal is believed to be part of plans by the Trump administration to reshape NATO engagement in a way that favours member countries with higher defence spending.

During his first term, US President Donald Trump withdrew about 12,000 troops from Germany, where Washington operates several of its military installations, including the US European Command (EUCOM) and Ramstein Air Base.