STUTTGART, Germany – A part of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 announcement today included a request to substantially increase funding for the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI).

This year’s ERI request of approximately $3.42 billion deepens the United States’ investment in Europe as the security environment continues to evolve.

“ERI is a reflection of the United States’ strong and balanced approach to Russia in the wake of its aggression in Eastern Europe and elsewhere,” said Gen. Philip Breedlove, Commander of U.S. European Command.

“The collective sum of all ERI lines of effort is much greater than the five individual parts,” he added.

The increased ERI funding would allow for:

1) Increased rotational presence

2) Additional bilateral and multilateral exercises and training with allies and partners

3) Enhanced prepositioning of U.S. equipment

4) Improved infrastructure to allow for greater responsiveness

5) Intensified efforts to build partner capacity with newer NATO members and partners ERI is a visible demonstration of the United States’ resolve to support NATO assurance measures, bolster the security and capacity of our regional partners, deter and respond to aggressive actions from regional actors, and respond to crises in the region.

-- 30 --