European countries emerge as NATO leaders as U.S. role recedes
April, 30, 2026.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/4388x4388+932+0/resize/100/quality/85/format/jpeg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0d%2F11%2F51894cdd43449b58ba3fad8e96ea%2Fap26120441310041-1.jpg)](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/02/nx-s1-5808891/europe-allies-germany-troop-withdrawal-us)
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### [Germany says U.S. troop withdrawal 'anticipated'; Spain and Italy could be next](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/02/nx-s1-5808891/europe-allies-germany-troop-withdrawal-us)
It follows Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. access