U.S. considers withdrawing around 25,000 American troops from Europe

The Pentagon is considering withdrawing around 25,000 U.S. troops from Europe, a move that would reduce the American military presence on the continent by nearly a third, NBC News reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the withdrawal could be even larger, reaching around 40,000 troops. Currently, about 80,000 U.S. service members are stationed in Europe. However, according to current and former U.S. and Western officials cited by NBC, no final decision has yet been made.

Germany, Italy and Spain, which host some of the largest U.S. deployments in Europe, are expected to be among the most affected countries if the plan is implemented.

The options are part of a six-month review of the U.S. military presence in Europe. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander, is expected on Friday to present Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with an initial analysis.

The assessment will include several scenarios affecting air, naval and ground forces, as well as the possibility of repositioning some U.S. troops toward NATO’s eastern flank.

According to NBC News, Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6, before any proposal is presented to President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has repeatedly argued that European countries should take on more responsibility for their own defense, while the United States aims to concentrate additional military resources in other regions.