Slovak General Warns Country Unprepared for Potential US Military Withdrawal

Lieutenant General Pavel Macko warned that Slovakia is neither mentally nor militarily prepared for a potential withdrawal of American forces from Europe. The senior Slovak military official noted that European armies have been reduced by 90 percent since the end of the Cold War, leaving the continent vulnerable should the United States decide to pull back its military presence. Macko's comments reflect growing concerns among European defense officials about potential shifts in US military strategy and the continent's ability to maintain security independently. Slovakia, a NATO member since 2004, has relied on the alliance's collective defense framework and American military support as part of its national security strategy.