The Region
EUCOM’s theater -- or area of responsibility, for which it is responsible for planning and conducting US military missions -- includes 51 independent countries that extend beyond Europe into the Caucuses and includes Israel. Not only does the breadth of responsibility encompass a diversity in geography but also diversity in culture and economics that can factor significantly into partnering opportunities and challenges.
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Andorra maintains a small Army which has as its main responsibility to present the country’s flag at ceremonies. France and Spain are jointly responsible for defending the small nation.
U.S. assistance supports Armenia's transition into a stable partner at peace with its neighbors. The United States provides multifaceted assistance to Armenia through a variety of programs designed to promote economic growth, encourage democratic governance, improve health and social protection systems, and enhance Armenia’s peace and security as well as providing humanitarian assistance to the poor, elderly, and other vulnerable groups through a “whole of government” approach that involves a number of U.S. government agencies.
The United States seeks to encourage reforms in Azerbaijan that promote regional security, the development of key democratic institutions and processes, and sustainable economic growth and is actively engaged in international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within Azerbaijan.
Direct military to military cooperation with the U.S. continues to be minimal. The U.S. continues to support Belarus' adherence to arms control agreements and treaties into which it has previously entered, including the Open Skies Treaty, which Belarus ratified in 2001.
Belgium works closely with the United States bilaterally and in international and regional organizations to encourage economic and political cooperation and assistance to developing countries. Belgium remains a strong proponent of both NATO and European defense efforts.
The United States maintains command of the NATO headquarters in Sarajevo and has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help with reconstruction, humanitarian assistance, economic development, and military reconstruction in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bulgaria's relationship with its neighbors has generally been good. Bulgaria has proven to be a constructive force in the region and has played an important role in promoting regional security.
Bilateral relations between the U.S. and Croatia are very strong, and the U.S. welcomes Croatia’s desire to play a positive and stabilizing role in the region. The United States has given more than $27 million since 1998 in humanitarian demining assistance.
The United States is working closely with Cyprus on counterterrorism efforts. Cyprus also signed a Proliferation Security Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement with the United States on July 25, 2005, which reinforces bilateral counterterrorism cooperation.
Relations between the U.S. and the Czech Republic are excellent and reflect the common approach both have to the many challenges facing the world at present. The U.S. looks to the Czech Republic as a partner in issues ranging from Afghanistan to the Balkans, and seeks opportunities to continue to deepen this relationship.
Denmark and the United States have long enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship. Denmark and the United States consult closely on European and other regional political and security matters and cooperate extensively to promote peace and stability well beyond Europe’s borders. Danish troops support International Security Assistance Force-led stabilization efforts in Afghanistan.
The relationship between Estonia and the United States of America has been constant and strong since Estonia first became independent. The United States and Estonia are important allies and partners. It is deeply committed to good transatlantic relations and to promoting democracy and free-market economic policy globally.
Relations between the U.S. and Finland are warm, and the U.S. has welcomed Finland's increased participation in Western economic and political structures, interoperability and compatibility with NATO, and bilateral military training opportunities.
Among NATO members, France is second only to the United States in terms of troops deployed abroad. France has actively and heavily participated in a variety of peacekeeping/coalition efforts in the Middle East, Africa, and the Balkans, often taking the lead in these operations.
The strength of U.S.-Georgia relations is codified in the U.S.-Georgia Charter on Strategic Partnership, signed in January 2009 in the priority areas of democracy; defense and security; economic, trade, and energy issues; and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Since the signing of the Charter, the United States and Georgia have strengthened their mutual cooperation based on U.S. support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and its commitment to further democratic reform.
Germany continues to emphasize close ties with the United States. U.S.-German relations have been a focal point of American involvement in Europe since the end of World War II. Germany stands at the center of European affairs and is a key partner in U.S. relations with Europeans in NATO and the European Union.
Greece is an important partner in many of today’s highest U.S. policy priorities. There are currently 143 agreements in place between the U.S. and Greece including such topics as Status of Forces and logistics.
The Holy See conducts active diplomacy. The U.S.-Holy See relationship is best characterized as an active global partnership on a wide range of global issues.
Hungary's key national security focus is contributing to the stability of the region while integrating its armed forces into NATO's force structure. It shares a more acute sense of the threat than many other European countries and is watching events in the Balkans, Ukraine, and Russia with great interest.
U.S. policy aims to maintain close, cooperative relations with Iceland, both as a NATO ally and as a friend interested in the shared objectives of enhancing world peace; respect for human rights; economic development; arms control; and law enforcement cooperation, including the fight against terrorism, narcotics, and human trafficking. Moreover, the United States endeavors to strengthen bilateral economic and trade relations.
U.S. relations with Ireland have long been based on common ancestral ties and shared values. During its 2004 EU presidency, Ireland worked to strengthen U.S.-EU ties that had been strained by the Iraq war.
Israel has given high priority to gaining wide acceptance as a sovereign state with an important international role. Commitment to Israel's security and well being has been a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East since Israel's founding in 1948, in which the United States played a key supporting role.
The United States enjoys warm and friendly relations with Italy. Italy is a leading partner in counterterrorism efforts. The two are NATO allies and cooperate in the United Nations, in various regional organizations, and bilaterally for peace, prosperity, and security as well as combating drug trafficking, trafficking in women and children, and terrorism.
The United States continues to contribute troops to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) and staff to the International Civilian Office (ICO) and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) missions.
Latvia has emerged as a significant international player, supporting peace and democracy world wide. Per capita, it is one of the largest contributors to international military operations.
The good relations between the U.S. and Liechtenstein are based on close commercial interactions and common support for democracy, human rights, and free markets.
Lithuania has enjoyed most-favored-nation treatment with the United States since December 1991. Since 1992, the United States has committed more than $100 million in Lithuania to economic and political transformation and to humanitarian needs.
Luxembourgers are deeply appreciative of the sacrifices made by Americans, leading to the country's liberation in the two World Wars of the 20th century.
The United States and Macedonia have enjoyed good bilateral relations since Macedonia gained its independence in 1991 and enjoy a cooperative relationship across a broad range of political, economic, cultural, military, and social issues.
U.S. Navy ships currently visit on a semi-regular basis. Additionally, the Maltese military has participates in EURASIA Capstone, SAR training center programs, Exercise Phoenix Express, and other engagements.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United States recognized the independence of Moldova. The U.S. provides assistance to Moldova for infrastructure, education, commerce and other programs.
The United States and Monaco enjoy excellent relations, which both countries seek to maintain and strengthen. In December 2006, the United States and Monaco upgraded from consular to full diplomatic relations.
The U.S. partnership with the Netherlands is one of its oldest continuous relationships and dates back to the American Revolution. The excellent bilateral relations are based on close historical and cultural ties as well as a common dedication to individual freedom and human rights.
The United States and Norway enjoy a long tradition of friendly relations based on democratic values and mutual respect. Norway supports international cooperation and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and recognizes the need for maintaining national defense through collective security. Accordingly, the cornerstones of Norwegian policy are active membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and support for the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, Romania has been fully supportive of the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts. Romanian troops have served alongside U.S. troops in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over the past several years Russia has increased its international profile, played an increasing role in regional issues, and been more assertive in dealing with its neighbors. In recent years, Russia has not shied from using its significant oil and gas exports as sources of political influence.
The United States and San Marino enjoy friendly diplomatic relations. San Marino consistently supports U.S. foreign policy positions, as well as U.S. candidates to international organizations. The two countries are on excellent terms. San Marino is an active player in the international community.
There is no permanent U.S. military presence in Serbia, though the countries regularly partner for training and outreach programs. The Serbian Armed Forces consist of two services--the Army, and the Air Force and Air Defense--comprising approximately 36,000 personnel.
Slovakia and the United States retain strong diplomatic ties and cooperate in the military and law enforcement areas. The U.S. Department of Defense programs have contributed significantly to Slovak military reforms.
Slovenia enjoys excellent relations with the United States and works with it actively on a number of fronts. The government of Slovenia has diligently pursued its restructuring, reorganization, modernization, and procurement with the paramount goal of NATO interoperability.
Spain and the United States have a long history of official relations and are closely associated in many fields including being strong allies in the fight against terrorism.
Friendship and cooperation between the United States and Sweden is strong and close. The United States welcomes Sweden's membership in NATO's PFP and the countries' ongoing cooperation in promoting global democracy and freedom.
Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as a neutral intermediary and host to major international treaty conferences.
U.S.-Turkish relations focus on areas such as strategic energy cooperation, trade and investment, security ties, regional stability, counterterrorism, and human rights progress.
The United States attaches great importance to the success of Ukraine's transition to a democratic state with a flourishing market economy and U.S. policy remains centered on realizing and strengthening a democratic, prosperous, and secure Ukraine more closely integrated into Europe and Euro-Atlantic structures.
The United Kingdom is one of the United States' closest allies, and British foreign policy emphasizes close coordination with the United States. Bilateral cooperation reflects the common language, ideals, and democratic practices of the two nations.
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