U.S. Reviews Europe Troop Levels to Shift Defense Burden

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 allied defense spending and support for U.S. foreign policy, specifically regarding basing and overflight restrictions encountered during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby briefed NATO ambassadors in Brussels on August 27, describing a transition toward a more European-led conventional defense. To inform the process, Washington issued questionnaires to allies regarding procurement, strategy, and public support for President Donald Trump's foreign policy. The Pentagon has already reduced assets for NATO defense plans and shifted 5,000 troops from Germany to Poland as part of a broader strategic pivot toward China.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that allies are making progress toward a 2025 agreement to allocate 5% of GDP to security spending by 2035. While some European officials view the review as a transactional negotiating tactic, others have offered to reduce costs for stationed U.S. troops to prevent large-scale cuts. The Department of Defense expects to present at least four force-level options to Secretary Hegseth by November 6, with the full review concluding in December.