Pentagon considers reducing U.S. troop presence in Europe by 5,000 soldiers

The Pentagon is considering a limited reduction of approximately 5,000 U.S. troops from its total European presence of about 80,000 soldiers. This proposed reduction is significantly lower than the 25,000 to 40,000 troops that NATO allies had feared would be withdrawn. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to submit final recommendations regarding these troop levels to President Donald Trump on December 1.

Proposed troop reductions and legal limits

The proposed reduction targets a small fraction of the total force currently stationed on the continent. Most of the troop reductions would target Germany, which hosted 36,436 active-duty U.S. soldiers at the end of 2025. Despite these potential cuts, the U.S. Congress has passed a law limiting the reduction of U.S. troops in Europe to no fewer than 76,000 soldiers.

The decision-making process for the Trump administration is influenced by several geopolitical factors. These include increased defense spending in Europe and the ongoing need for European bases during the war against Iran. While some troop numbers may decrease, the Eastern flank of NATO could see increased reinforcement as a result of these shifts.

Polish and Romanian base proposals

Several European nations are moving to secure a permanent American presence through infrastructure investments. Poland has offered approximately $4 billion to build a new base designed to station about 5,000 U.S. troops and their families. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that the Pentagon has in principle supported the Polish proposal for a new base.

Marcin Psidach, head of the office for Polish President Karol Nawrocki, stated that the United States has given Poland the "green light" for a permanent U.S. troop presence. President Karol Nawrocki convened a National Security Council meeting on November 3 to discuss the establishment of this permanent military base. Additionally, Romania has offered to cover costs related to U.S. military personnel stationed in Romanian bases.

Regional security and international reactions

The potential shift in military posture has drawn reactions from international leaders. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated on a Friday that Cuba is preparing for a possible U.S. military attack following public statements by Donald Trump.

The movement of troops comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the responsibility of allies in regional defense. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has indicated that the United States cannot take care of Europe's defense more than its allies do, noting that Europe can and must take primary responsibility for its conventional defense. The U.S. continues to rely on European bases for power projection in the Middle East during the ongoing war against Iran.

Glossary

• NATO — NATO is an alliance that provides security support. It also offers programs such as the Partnership for Peace and the intensified dialogue programme.
• Eastern flank — NATO's Eastern Flank is an organization founded in 2015 in Bucharest, Romania. Its members include Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.
• National Security Council — The National Security Council of the Republic of Serbia is a state body that considers issues of importance for national security. It directs the works of the security services.