US reviews troop presence in Europe: Pentagon launches analysis

„Einige der größten Volkswirtschaften der NATO, einige unserer reichsten Länder, Verbündete, die am liebsten über die regelbasierte internationale Ordnung und das Zusammenstehen von Mittelmächten sprechen, scheinen immer noch zu glauben, dass die Ära des Trittbrettfahrens weitergeht“, he criticized at the time.

Hegseth also pointed to the growing military significance of the Asia-Pacific region and repeatedly named China as a central challenge. From the ministry's perspective, the review in Europe is linked to this shift in priorities.

Pentagon officials involved

Under Secretary of State for Policy Elbridge Colby, who is regarded as the architect of the new defense strategy, is also involved in the process. He has previously advocated a greater focus of American armed forces on the Indo-Pacific.

The German federal government and the Bundeswehr are closely monitoring the developments in Berlin. Germany, with around 35,000 US soldiers, is one of the most important host countries, alongside bases in Italy, Poland, and the Baltics, among others. Official statements from the federal government on the concrete impacts are still pending.

Implications for Germany and NATO

In NATO circles in Brussels, the review is seen as politically delicate but not yet as an immediate threat to the deployment. Alliance spokespersons emphasized that any adjustment would be coordinated bilaterally between Washington and the respective host states.

The discussion comes at a time when European allies are already increasing their defense spending. Several NATO states have announced that they intend to reach the alliance's agreed target of at least three percent of gross domestic product more quickly.

At the same time, President Donald Trump had repeatedly raised the issue of the level of US contributions to European security in the past and demanded greater financial participation from European NATO partners. The ongoing review ties into this line.

Possible consequences and outlook

Observers in Washington expect that initial results of the review will not be available for several months. Until then, the status quo of the deployment is likely to remain largely in place, while pressure grows on European capitals to prepare their own responses to a possible reduction.

Overall, diplomats understand the review as part of a broader debate about the future of the transatlantic security architecture. Whether the US will actually withdraw troops, shift resources, or merely readjust the deployment remains open for now.