US Plans to Reduce Military Presence in Eastern Europe: Troop Withdrawal from Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia
Recent reports from military circles indicate that the United States aims to scale back its military footprint across several Eastern European countries, including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia.
The information surfaced shortly before through G4Media, a Romanian online portal citing sources within government authorities, who revealed plans to withdraw approximately 800 US military personnel from Romania.
This measure is part of a broader strategy to decrease US military engagement in the region, officially announced on October 27 through NATO channels.
Although the decision is formally linked to White House policies, it is set to take effect immediately, with Congress potentially able to modify it.
The US military presence in Romania is based on three main sites: Mihai Kogalniceanu Air Base, Deveselu, and Campia Turzii.
At present, it remains unclear from which of these locations the troop reduction will occur.
Currently, around one thousand American troops are stationed in Romania.
Sources emphasize that the move is not related to the results of the first round of presidential elections, where an ultra-nationalist candidate won.
Official statements indicate that the US also plans troop withdrawals from Hungary, though specifics regarding timelines, scope, and other details remain undisclosed, with focus solely on the Romanian contingent.
It is worth noting that earlier this year, the US announced the redeployment of troops from the Jasioni Airport in Poland, a key hub supporting Ukraine.
Previous reports suggested that Washington might consider reducing its forces in Eastern Europe to as few as 10,000 soldiers, reflecting a strategic reassessment of military presence amid ongoing regional uncertainties.