US Weighs Cutting One-Third of Troops From Europe

The Pentagon is reportedly weighing withdrawal of up to a third of the roughly 68,000 US troops in Europe, or in a more drastic scenario 40,000 personnel plus aircraft, ships and weapons, with a decision due by November 6. The review follows European allies refusing Washington airbase access for strikes on Iran, and Defence Secretary Hegseth has framed the changes as pushing Europe toward primary responsibility for its own defence. Such a US retreat would accelerate pressure for Europe to build independent military capacity as a unified power.