The National Security Bureau referred to media reports concerning a possible reduction of the US military presence in Europe and emphasized that the changes “do not directly or ultimately concern Poland.” According to the BBN, the rotation of American forces is currently underway, while soldiers and military equipment are still being transported to the country. The statement appeared following publications by Reuters and CNN regarding the suspension of the planned rotation of part of the US troops to Poland and a possible reorganization of the American military presence in Europe.
The National Security Bureau assessed that the changes in the schedules of US troop rotations are connected with the reorganization of the American military presence in Europe and the planned withdrawal from Germany of the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment stationed in Vilseck.
In the published statement, it was stressed that the United States remains Poland’s most important strategic partner and — alongside Polish soldiers and officers — a guarantor of the security of the Republic of Poland. As indicated, the number of American soldiers and civilian employees of the US military in Poland fluctuates around 10,000.
“In the assessment of the BBN, reports about the suspension of rotation and reduction of the US presence do not directly and ultimately concern Poland,” the statement emphasized.
According to the National Security Bureau, the rotation of US forces conducted by the 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood is currently underway. More than 20 percent of the planned number of soldiers and around 70 percent of the military equipment intended for the new rotation have already been transported to Poland.
The Bureau assessed that after the withdrawal from Germany, the US 2nd Cavalry Regiment could replace part of the Armored Brigade Combat Team that had earlier been planned for deployment in Poland.
At the same time, the National Security Bureau pointed to the lack of clear arrangements concerning changes to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement from 2020, regulating the deployment of US troops in Poland. According to the BBN, the Ministry of National Defence did not obtain advance information regarding changes in the schedule of movements of American forces to Poland.
The media reports were also addressed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. He assured that no decision had been made to reduce US involvement in Poland and that Polish-American relations are based on “daily cooperation, mutual commitment and trust.”
Reuters had earlier reported, citing anonymous American officials, that the Pentagon cancelled plans for the rotational deployment of around 4,000 soldiers to Poland. Meanwhile, CNN reported that the decision was allegedly part of measures aimed at reducing the number of US troops in Europe.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk assessed on Friday that the changes are logistical in nature and will not affect Poland’s security.