US abruptly alters strategy for cutting troops in Europe - Bloomberg
Photo: Pentagon reviews its plans (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is revising its approaches to reducing the American military contingent in Europe, according to Bloomberg.
Whereas earlier discussions involved a potential withdrawal of up to 25,000 troops - a prospect that caused concern among European allies - Washington is now leaning toward a significantly smaller reduction of approximately 5,000 personnel, insiders told journalists.
Importantly, there are currently about 80,000 US service members stationed on the European continent overall.
As Bloomberg notes, the revision of plans is driven by several factors. In particular, European NATO members are increasing defense funding, while the US and Israel continue their military campaign against Iran.
The Pentagon has also taken into account the strategic importance of American bases in Europe for conducting operations in the Middle East. Specifically, the US utilizes the infrastructure of European allies and their airspace to launch strikes against Iran.
“We have a lot of assets here that are right where we want them. I don’t expect anything big," stated US Representative to NATO Matt Whitaker.
The largest reduction in US troop numbers may occur in Germany, which hosts the largest American contingent among European countries.
Conversely, an increased military presence is anticipated along the Alliance's eastern flank. States bordering Russia are prepared to contribute to financing the costs of hosting US troops on their territory.
Donald Trump will have the final say on this matter. Prior to that, US Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby must prepare a corresponding report for Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth.
On December 1, the Secretary of Defense is expected to present final proposals regarding the future military presence in Europe to the American president.
Earlier, Hegseth emphasized that European states must independently provide the majority of their own defense rather than relying on the US.
“America cannot care for — or pay more for — Europe’s defense than our allies do. Europe can and must take primary responsibility for its conventional defense," the head of the Pentagon stated.
In turn, UK Secretary of State for Defence Wes Streeting noted that the US administration assesses the viability of a military presence in Europe primarily through the lens of US national interests.
"While sometimes the narrative might be the US is in Europe to benefit Europe, I think the hard reality is the US is in Europe because it benefits the US," he remarked.
Incidentally, it was previously reported that the US expects a new proposal from Russia regarding a security agreement with Europe.
The US wants to see Europe at the negotiating table regarding the end of the war in Ukraine.
