US Weighs Major Troop Cuts in Europe

The Pentagon is considering a major reduction in the US military presence in Europe, with proposals involving the withdrawal of around 25,000 troops and some options potentially reaching 40,000, according to officials cited by US media.

About 80,000 US service members are currently stationed in Europe. No final decision has been taken, and the proposals are part of a six-month review of the US mility posture on the continent.

The review was launched in June to assess whether US forces in Europe align with the Trump administration’s defence priorities. General Alexus Grynkewich, head of US European Command and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, is expected to submit an initial assessment to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, with a final recommendation due later this year.

Options under consideration include reductions in ground forces, air power and naval personnel. Some US forces could also be repositioned from western Europe towards NATO’s eastern flank, closer to Russia.

Germany, Italy and Spain could be among the countries most affected because they host significant numbers of US troops and military facilities. Germany currently has around 36,000 US troops, while Italy hosts about 12,000.

The possible drawdown comes as European governments continue to strengthen their own defence capabilities amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and concerns over Russian military and hybrid activity. NATO says Russia’s war against Ukraine remains the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades.

The scale and location of any potential troop changes remain undecided. The Pentagon review is expected to determine whether forces are reduced, repositioned or retained under a revised US strategy for Europe.