NATO allies are worried that the United States could cut its military presence in Europe without giving partners clear advance signals, the Financial Times reported, citing an unnamed alliance diplomat.

According to the diplomat, Europe’s main concern is not only the substance of Washington’s decisions, but the way they arrive without warning. In Germany’s case, the diplomat said, such moves are seen as a form of punishment.

The issue is expected to come up at an upcoming meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden. Allies plan to ask the U.S. side to give earlier notice of similar steps, so the alliance can avoid sudden shocks and prevent gaps in its military capabilities.

The diplomat also said the scale of the planned reductions does not yet amount to a major alarm. In their view, the United States still maintains a strong presence in Europe and retains powerful deterrence assets.

Reuters previously reported, citing three informed sources, that the administration of U. S. President Donald Trump planned to tell NATO allies on Friday, May 22, about cuts to American troops that could have been sent to support Europe in a crisis.

Before that, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed to RIA Novosti that the United States intends to withdraw 5,000 American troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months.