The US Pentagon may withdraw up to 40,000 troops from Europe — Anadolu Agency
In the United States, the Pentagon is considering the possibility of withdrawing at least 25,000 US troops from Europe. According to Anadolu Agency, citing NBC News, the reduction could reach 40,000 personnel.
About 80,000 US service members are currently stationed in Europe. Withdrawing 25,000 of them could reduce the US military presence on the continent by nearly one-third. No final decisions have yet been made.
Review of military presence
Reduction options are being considered as part of a six-month review of the US military presence in Europe. General Alexus Grynkewich, who heads US European Command and serves as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is to provide an initial analysis to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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The assessment is expected to include several options concerning air, naval and ground forces, as well as the possible redeployment of some US troops to NATO’s eastern flank. According to NBC News, Hegseth is to receive a final recommendation on November 6 before any proposal is submitted to President Donald Trump.
Countries and agency positions
Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest US contingents in Europe, have been named among the countries that could be affected by the changes. The Trump administration has long stated that European countries should assume more responsibility for conventional defense, while the United States directs additional military resources to other regions.
The possible reduction has raised concerns among some US lawmakers and European governments. They warn that a rapid troop withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia. NBC News also reported disagreements between the State Department and the Pentagon over the review procedure: according to the channel, Secretary of State Marco Rubio intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defense ministers on possible large-scale reductions.
