Pentagon to cut fewer US troops in Europe than previously planned
European allies feared that the US would withdraw up to 25,000 troops. Now, a cut of up to 5,000 is expected: the war with Iran has shown how much the US military needs bases in Europe and access to its airspace, Bloomberg writes .
Photo: AP Photo / Nathan Posner
The Pentagon is reconsidering the scale of cuts to the US contingent in Europe, Bloomberg reports, citing sources. Currently, about 80,000 US military personnel are stationed on the continent.
According to the publication's sources, two factors influenced Washington's position. First, the US welcomed the increase in defense spending by NATO allies. Second, the protracted war with Iran demonstrated how much US operations in the Middle East rely on European bases and the ability to fly over allied territory.
This dependence is recognized in Europe as well.
“Sometimes it seems as though the US is in Europe for Europe's sake. But the harsh reality is that the US is in Europe because it benefits the US itself,” UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said in October.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker also signaled that a radical troop withdrawal might not occur.
“We have a lot of forces and assets here that are positioned right where we need them. I don't expect anything massive,” he said in early November.
The primary cuts are expected to affect Germany, which hosts the largest US contingent in Europe.
NATO's eastern flank, by contrast, may be reinforced: countries bordering Russia are offering to cover part of the costs. Specific nations were not named in the article.
However, no final decision has been made yet. The Pentagon confirmed that the review of troop posture is ongoing. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to present his final recommendations to Donald Trump on December 1. The final say will rest with the president, who has repeatedly criticized Europeans for providing insufficient support in the war against Iran.
Congress also restricts the scope for major reductions. Last year, it barred the Pentagon from drawing down troop numbers in Europe below 76,000 without prior consultation with allies and a thorough risk assessment. Democrats gaining control of Congress following the midterm elections could further complicate Trump's plans, as lawmakers control the funding of military spending.