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Germany's Merz marks a year in office facing deep transatlantic crisis

Germany's Merz marks a year in office facing deep transatlantic crisis

By James Mackenzie BERLIN, May 4 (Reuters) - Chancellor Friedrich Merz marks a year in office this week facing the biggest crisis with Washington in decades, after President Donald Trump said he would hit European auto imports with 25% tariffs and pull thousands of troops out of Germany.
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European Leaders Respond to President Trump's Troop Withdrawal from Germany, Emphasizing NATO's Future

European Leaders Respond to President Trump's Troop Withdrawal from Germany, Emphasizing NATO's Future

European leaders have expressed concern over President Trump's decision to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from Germany, viewing it as a signal for Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. The Pentagon announced the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops, with President Trump indicating plans for further reductions. This move has surprised NATO allies and comes amid tensions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the U.S.'s handling of the conflict with Iran. European leaders, meeting at a summit in Yerevan, Armenia, are downplaying the immediate impact but acknowledge the need for a stronger European role within NATO. The decision has sparked discussions on the continent's defense capabilities and the future of transatlantic relations.
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US to move forward with plans to hike EU car tariffs

US to move forward with plans to hike EU car tariffs

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) - U.S.
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Analysis-Trump's Germany troop cuts show limits of NATO efforts to keep US on board

Analysis-Trump's Germany troop cuts show limits of NATO efforts to keep US on board

By Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer BRUSSELS, May 4 (Reuters) - European officials have been working on ways to convince Donald Trump to keep the United States in NATO despite severe tensions over the Iran war.
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Yen steady as intervention fears linger with Japan shut for holidays

Yen steady as intervention fears linger with Japan shut for holidays

By Gregor Stuart Hunter SINGAPORE, May 4 (Reuters) - The yen stabilised at the start of trading in Asia, strengthening slightly after a few choppy sessions following suspected intervention by authorities to strengthen the currency last week. 
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What to know about the US military presence in Europe as Trump seeks drawdown of thousands of troops

What to know about the US military presence in Europe as Trump seeks drawdown of thousands of troops

U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to shrink America’s military deployment in Germany is putting a new spotlight on the U.S. military presence in Europe
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Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course away from Russia

Armenia hosts a historic European Union summit as the country charts a course away from Russia

Armenia is hosting the first European Union summit in Yerevan
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Merz Denies Iran Dispute with Trump Linked to US Troop Cuts in Germany

Merz Denies Iran Dispute with Trump Linked to US Troop Cuts in Germany

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has stated that the recent US decision to reduce its military presence in Germany is not connected to his disagreement with President Trump over Iran. The US plans to withdraw about 5,000 troops, a move that Merz insists is not political retaliation for his criticism of US policy in Iran. The troop reduction, which Trump suggested might be larger, comes as Germany hosts the largest US military presence in Europe. Merz emphasized the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties despite differing views on Iran, where he has questioned the US's strategy and exit plan.
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Troop withdrawal announcement adds to friction between Europe and Trump

Troop withdrawal announcement adds to friction between Europe and Trump

The German defense minister has responded to the U.S. plan to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the U.S. military presence in Europe
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Germany focuses on shared interests after US announces troop drawdown

Germany focuses on shared interests after US announces troop drawdown

The German defense minister has responded to the U.S. plan to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the U.S. military presence in Europe
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Trump says US will reduce number of troops in Germany 'a lot further' than withdrawal of 5,000

Trump says US will reduce number of troops in Germany 'a lot further' than withdrawal of 5,000

President Donald Trump said the U.S. is going to significantly reduce its troop presence in Germany, escalating a dispute with Germany’s leader as he seeks to scale back America’s commitment to European security
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President Trump Increases Tariffs on EU Cars, Impacting European Automakers

President Trump Increases Tariffs on EU Cars, Impacting European Automakers

President Trump announced on May 1, 2026, that tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union will be increased to 25% from the previously agreed 15%. This decision is based on accusations that the EU has not complied with a trade framework agreed upon last year. The tariff hike is expected to significantly impact European automakers such as Stellantis, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, potentially raising prices for consumers and squeezing already tight margins. The European Commission maintains that it is implementing the trade deal in line with standard legislative practice, while the European Parliament calls for a swift conclusion of negotiations to avoid prolonged uncertainty.