The United States is evaluating a substantial reduction of its military footprint in Europe, with senior Pentagon commanders preparing plans for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s review. The potential drawdown comes after European NATO members declined to provide American forces with base access for operations related to the war on Iran, which Hegseth characterized as “shameful” at a NATO meeting in June. This decision has prompted what Pentagon officials describe as a NATO review announced earlier in the year.
Two primary scenarios are under consideration. The first would involve withdrawing approximately one-third of the roughly 68,000 US service members currently deployed across Europe, primarily affecting troops stationed in Germany, Italy, and Spain. A more significant alternative would entail the departure of 40,000 soldiers along with military aircraft, ships, and weapons systems. A third possibility involves relocating forces from Central and Western Europe toward NATO’s eastern flank, positioning them closer to Russia. Hegseth is expected to finalize his decision by November 6.
Troop reductions have already begun in some locations. Approximately half of the 2,000 US soldiers previously stationed in Romania departed last year. Additionally, roughly 5,000 troops are currently in the process of withdrawing from Germany, where the majority of the European contingent is based. This earlier announcement followed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s criticism of US military actions in Iran.
Analysts note that such a withdrawal would carry significant implications for European security architecture. Ian Lesser of the German Marshall Fund observed that removing troops would weaken the US nuclear deterrence posture on the continent, potentially creating strategic advantages for Russia. However, the ultimate impact would depend on which units are relocated and their new positions. Relocations to Eastern Europe might pose fewer concerns given the recent military capability increases among Western European nations. Simultaneously, the US itself would experience reduced power projection capabilities across the region.
Tension between Washington and European capitals has grown over multiple issues beyond the Iran operations question, including defense spending requirements, trade tariffs, and territorial disputes. European reluctance to meet increased defense spending targets and disagreements over other geopolitical matters have contributed to strained transatlantic relations.
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