Helen Pitt

Today, as Trump withdraws troops from Germany, is Europe ready for a future without America?

Ever since the US Army marched into the nearby city of Kaiserslautern in the spring of 1945, Americans have been woven into the fabric of life here.

Of the 68,000 US military personnel stationed in Europe, around 9,000 live in Landstuhl, along with their families.

So when Donald Trump announced he would be withdrawing American troops from Germany, apparently to punish the German Chancellor for suggesting his war in Iran was a mistake, dismay spread across Landstuhl.

I'll translate that for you.

Around here we love our American, she says.

Across Europe, leaders are starting to wonder what will happen if this is just the start of the American withdrawal from the continent, potentially from NATO too.

They're increasing defence spending, reintroducing conscription, stockpiling weapons.

But is it enough?

From The Guardian, I'm Helen Pitt.

Today in Focus, can Europe defend itself alone?

Deborah Cole, welcome to the show.

Thank you for having me.

It's lovely to see you.

So you're not just our Germany correspondent, but you're also an American, aren't you?

So you're very perfectly placed for this episode.

So thanks for being here.

My pleasure.

So you had a very interesting day in this town of Landstuhl last week after Trump threatened to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany.

Can we just start with the basics?