Bloomberg: European allies urge US to coordinate any troop reductions in Europe

European allies are pressing the United States to coordinate any plans to reduce its military presence on the continent, amid concerns that an abrupt withdrawal could destabilize NATO defenses.

According to sources familiar with ongoing discussions, quoted by Bloomberg, officials across Europe expect the administration of President Donald Trump to proceed with plans to withdraw some of the approximately 80,000 US troops currently stationed in Europe, including in eastern flank nations most exposed to Russian threats. European governments are now focused on minimizing the impact of such a move and ensuring prior consultation.

NBC News reported Tuesday that the US is considering withdrawing up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. US troop numbers in Europe had peaked at around 100,000 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, up from a pre-war presence of 65,000.

A NATO official told reporters that deployment decisions fall under US jurisdiction. However, European leaders are concerned they might be blindsided by a withdrawal, learning of it through the media rather than official communication channels.

At a NATO ministerial last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was met with reassurances from allies about increased defense spending, long a key US demand. In return, European officials sought a commitment from Washington to consult them in advance of any significant troop movements.

European officials say the speed of any US pullback is crucial, as the continent remains heavily reliant on US military leadership. Deep divisions within the EU over defense spending and industrial capacity further complicate the region’s efforts to build independent capabilities.

In parallel, diplomats have been lobbying Washington on the strategic value of its presence in Europe. One senior official said the US troop presence also projects vital political influence, while another noted that removing air, intelligence, and logistical assets would have greater global implications than reducing boots on the ground.

Although exact numbers and locations remain unclear, European officials believe the 20,000 US troops deployed by former President Joe Biden after Russia’s invasion could be among those targeted for withdrawal. While a rollback of that surge is expected, any reductions beyond those levels would be more alarming, they said.

Key US figures, including House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and General Chris Cavoli, head of US European Command, have warned that a major drawdown would weaken US strategic capabilities. General Cavoli told lawmakers on April 8 that US forces in Europe are essential for operations in the Arctic and the Middle East and should be maintained.

On the ground, troop adjustments are already underway. The US Army Europe and Africa Command announced on April 7 that it was relocating some forces from Jasionka to other sites in Poland.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on April 8 that he received US assurances that troop levels in his country would not be reduced and expressed hope Washington would keep that promise. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during a recent visit to Warsaw, emphasized the need for mutual reassurance, stating, “Europe needs to know that Uncle Sam still has our back.”

By Tamilla Hasanova