The commander's comments come amid concerns from Congress that the Pentagon is considering reducing the number of U.S. troops on the continent.
Even joining via teleconference is better than passing altogether, multiple European officials said.
Trump's plan for a huge increase in defense spending next fiscal year would mean billions more for equipment and training.
Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield represented the U.S. in NATO's Military Commission, the alliance's leading military board.
