The reduction in U.S. forces in Europe will be smaller than originally expected, Bloomberg reported Saturday, citing people familiar with the matter. About 5,000 troops may be withdrawn from the continent, but the eastern flank is to be reinforced.
According to the agency, policymakers in Europe had earlier feared that the U.S. would pull out as many as 25,000 troops. Earlier reports, including by NBC News, also pointed to a similar scale. But the agency’s sources say a much smaller reduction is now more likely, owing to a positive assessment of European investment in defense. One source cited a figure of 5,000.
Most of the troops being withdrawn are forces stationed in Germany, which currently hosts the largest American contingent. The eastern flank is to be reinforced, and countries bordering Russia will offer to cover part of the costs.
Pentagon leadership is also said to have recognized the importance of forces deployed in Europe to U.S. operations in the Middle East, especially in light of the war with Iran.
Bloomberg’s sources caution that the final decision rests with President Donald Trump. The agency cites remarks by U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker, who said in early November that he “does not expect anything big” when it comes to changes in the posture of forces.
The Pentagon said in a statement that the review is ongoing and that it has nothing further to announce for now.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby is to present a formal report on the proposed changes to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
As recently as September, Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe and head of U.S. European Command (EUCOM), presented his report to Colby.
European officials have been given various dates for the possible announcement of the results of the review of forces in Europe. Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said Thursday that the review “concluded that a (permanent) base should be established in Poland” for U.S. troops. She added that she was told at the Pentagon that the president may take up the document on Dec. 3 or 4.
European officials who spoke with PAP gave a range of dates from Dec. 3 to 6 or 7.
Last year, Congress passed a law preventing the Pentagon from reducing troop levels in Europe below 76,000, giving up bases or withdrawing major equipment without consulting allies and conducting a detailed risk analysis.
Bloomberg notes that the Democrats’ upcoming takeover of control of Congress on Jan. 3 could further limit the president’s options for withdrawing forces from Europe. Congress controls the department’s budget, and key committees will be headed by critics of the Pentagon’s plans to cut troops in Europe.
From Washington, Oskar Górzyński (PAP)
