Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine was nominated in February after Trump fired Gen. CQ Brown.
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.
