Europe prepares for potential reduction of US military presence: secret plans and implications for continental security
According to information obtained from military and diplomatic sources, European countries within NATO are actively preparing for possible changes in the level of American military presence on their territory. While official representatives in Washington remain silent, they do not hide that the Trump administration plans to reduce the number of troops deployed in Europe, currently around 80,000. This decision could significantly impact the regional security balance, as the US has traditionally been a guarantor of military stability and rapid response in times of crisis. Sources suggest that the main goal of such a move is to redirect military resources to the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East amid rising tensions there. Military analysts warn that the key challenges are in defining the exact scope of withdrawal and whether European allies can replace US forces, especially in complex and costly components such as air forces and modern logistics. Replacing American air and satellite systems in the short term is particularly challenging. Current concerns focus on how closely NATO allies will coordinate this process and whether regional defense systems will remain adequately supported. NATO Secretary General emphasizes that any troop reductions must follow a well-structured plan to prevent security gaps. Especially worrying is the situation on Europe’s eastern borders, where a sudden reduction of US presence could prompt swift requests for reinforcement from other NATO members. Furthermore, many European diplomats and military experts doubt that Washington will provide detailed future plans, raising additional concerns about transatlantic cooperation. Nevertheless, NATO officials attempt to ease tensions, assuring that the US remains committed as a security guarantor and that potential troop reductions will not threaten the collective defense framework. With Trump’s return and ongoing regional challenges, notably concerning military readiness in Europe, the future level of US presence remains uncertain, fueling debates among allies. At the same time, there is a risk that withdrawal processes could accelerate instability in Europe’s security system, especially amid geopolitical tensions stemming from the Ukraine conflict and other regional crises.