U.S. Initiates Troop Withdrawal from Europe, Defense Secretary Hegseth Criticizes NATO Allies’ Contributions

BRUSSELS — The Pentagon has announced a comprehensive six-month review aimed at reducing the number of U.S. military personnel stationed across the continent. This strategic move reflects a broader shift to reduce America’s military presence in Europe while encouraging greater burden-sharing among NATO member states. Speaking at a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels Thursday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted that European allies must assume a more prominent role in regional security matters. He emphasized that the United States cannot indefinitely shoulder the costs and responsibilities of transatlantic defense commitments. The defense secretary did not specify exact troop numbers or withdrawal timelines, stating only that decisions would emerge from the upcoming review process. The Pentagon has not yet released a detailed implementation plan, but military officials have signaled a commitment to reviewing all European bases and military formations for potential consolidation or relocation. The proposed reductions come amidst ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and growing geopolitical concerns about the stability of NATO’s eastern flank. Critics argue that scaling back U.S. forces risks undermining collective defense pledges, while proponents claim the strategy incentivizes European nations to meet their long-stated NATO spending targets.

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