European nations are said to be in disagreement over whether to prepare for a potential drawdown of American troops from the continent. The US has more than 80,000 troops in Europe, but reports suggest the Trump administration is preparing to reduce this figure as concerns continue over Washington’s commitment to NATO and European security.
Citing three European officials, POLITICO reports some countries want to prepare for a possible US withdrawal, but not all nations are in agreement. Several nations are said to be demanding the Trump administration clarify its plans, while others are still hoping the US midterm elections in 2027 and the presidential election in 2028, could reduce Donald Trump’s power and improve US-NATO relations. A report by NBC earlier this month said senior Pentagon officials are considering a proposal to remove up to 10,000 American troops from NATO allies Romania and Poland.
The units under consideration are part of the 20,000 the Biden administration deployed to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to NBC.
Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a former commander of US Army Europe, told POLITICO he is “sure” there will be “some reduction” in American troop numbers in Europe.
He said any US withdrawal would have to be in coordination with allies and said the uncertainty could force Europe to combine its capabilities and defence industries.
European countries have been moving to bolster their forces amid the rising tensions with Russia and US concerns.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen last month proposed an £683 billion (800 billion euros) plan to beef up the defences of the bloc’s nations.
The US has troops in several nations across Europe, including the UK, and most notably in Germany where there is reportedly more than 38,000 American personnel.
During his first presidency, Mr Trump sought to withdraw around 12,000 soldiers from Germany, but the Biden administration later cancelled this plan.
Mr Trump has previously said he would not defend NATO nations not paying enough for their own defence, saying: “It’s common sense, right.
“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.”
The Trump administration has signalled European security is not of primary concern and the President has urged NATO countries to spend 5% of their GDP on defence – something no alliance member, including the US, is currently doing.