Pentagon puts dramatic move on the table – and Europe is already worried

The US is considering withdrawing about 25,000 troops from Europe, nearly a third of its forces on the continent, as part of a strategic review by the Pentagon. The move, reported by NBC News, is causing serious concern in Eastern European countries, primarily Poland and Romania, which fear an increase in Russian aggression. The Trump administration demands that Europe bear the security burden independently.

The US Department of Defense is advancing a strategic review for a dramatic reduction of its military presence in Europe, under which about 25,000 troops – nearly a third of the approximately 80,000 American soldiers currently stationed there – may leave the continent. This was reported by NBC News, citing seven current and former Western and American officials. The review, which began in June and is expected to conclude by the end of the year, also focuses on the deployment of fighter jets, naval vessels, and air defense systems, with the aim of redirecting resources to other theaters. The review is led by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Elbridge Colby, who demands that allies take full responsibility for their own defense. The move is causing deep concern among Eastern European countries, led by Poland and Romania, which are exerting heavy diplomatic pressure on Washington. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to involve the diplomatic level in the process. On the other hand, American pressure has already led to a 20% increase in the defense budgets of NATO countries in Europe and Canada in 2025.