There is no doubt in Europe: the moment when the U.S. reduces or completely withdraws its military forces will inevitably come, writes Politico. Moreover, Donald Trump would not need congressional approval to take such a step.
Currently, estimates suggest that between 70,000 and 90,000 American troops are stationed across the continent, with additional forces deployed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The withdrawal could start with these forces, according to American expert Ben Harris. Earlier, NBC News reported that the Pentagon is considering pulling up to 10,000 troops from Central Europe, mainly from Poland and Romania.
Analysts at the German Economic Institute in Cologne have calculated that Europe would need between 10 and 12 years to fully replace American forces. This would be a costly endeavor for both Europeans and Americans.
The high expense was a key reason Donald Trump’s earlier plans to withdraw 12,000 troops from Germany — announced during his first term — were never fully realized. Germany hosts the largest U.S. contingent in Europe, with 38,000 troops stationed there.
