U.S. Reviews 80,000 European Troops to Press NATO Spending

The United States Department of Defense is conducting a six-month review of its approximately 80,000 troops stationed in Europe to determine future force levels and distribution. Launched in June by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the review evaluates whether NATO allies are meeting spending pledges and supporting U.S. foreign policy, specifically regarding basing and overflight permissions during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby briefed NATO ambassadors in Brussels on August 27 to accelerate the transfer of conventional defense responsibility to European nations. To inform the process, Washington issued a questionnaire to allies regarding procurement, strategy, and public support for President Donald Trump's foreign policy. While some allies view the review as a transactional tool, Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that Europe needs to do more for its own defense. European nations have previously agreed to increase security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

The Pentagon has already reduced assets for NATO defense plans and shifted 5,000 troops from Germany to Poland. Secretary Hegseth is expected to receive at least four force-level options by November 6, with the full review concluding in December. This shift occurs as the U.S. signals a transition toward a more limited supporting role, urging allies to lead regional security efforts.