The European Union (EU) said Thursday that the deployment of US troops in Europe was in Washington's interest, after President Donald Trump threatened to cut force numbers in Germany, AFP reports.

EU spokeswoman Anitta Hipper said the United States was "a vital partner in contributing to Europe's security and defense."

"The deployment of US troops in Europe is also in the US interest in support of its global role," she added.

"Our NATO allies are also increasing their defense spending at an unprecedented pace," Hipper said.

She pointed out that Germany had announced a "three-fold increase" in its defense budget over the coming years.

Trump had said the United States was considering reducing its troop deployment, following a row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war.

In the face of worries about Trump's commitment to NATO and the Russian war in Ukraine, Europe has ramped up its defense spending.