US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany, a decision that has unsettled NATO allies. While putting on a brave face, European nations are viewing this as a stark reminder of the need to bolster their own defense capabilities rapidly.

America's NATO allies put a brave face Monday on a US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, but warned it was proof Europe needs to step up for its own security, and fast. US President Donald Trump cast fresh doubts over the future of the alliance as he announced Washington was to scale back its largest troops contingent in Europe, after a spat with Berlin over the Iran war.