(MENAFN) The United States is reportedly preparing to scale back its military presence in Europe within the next few months, according to Germany’s Handelsblatt, which cited senior European diplomatic sources. Although the extent of the potential withdrawal remains unclear, NATO is said to be preparing for the development.

European Union insiders suggest the drawdown may be connected to Washington’s upcoming national defense strategy, expected to be finalized by late summer. US Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby, in comments to Handelsblatt, emphasized that the US needs to shift its focus toward countering China, for which it is currently unprepared.

Speculation about a withdrawal has been circulating since April, when NBC News reported that the US might pull up to 10,000 troops from Eastern Europe. President Donald Trump has since acknowledged that a partial troop withdrawal is under consideration but has not provided further details.

US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated in May that Washington intends to begin discussions about the potential drawdown with NATO allies after the bloc’s June summit. He criticized what he described as delays among European partners and said the US would no longer tolerate inaction.

Despite these reports, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz denied any confirmed plans for a US pullout during a recent visit to Lithuania. Speaking alongside Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Merz claimed there were no current signs of US troop reductions.

Replacing US military assets and personnel in Europe could cost NATO allies around $1 trillion over 25 years, according to a Politico report citing the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

As of early 2025, approximately 84,000 American troops remain stationed across Europe, primarily in Germany and Poland, with smaller contingents in Romania, Estonia, and Lithuania, based on US European Command data.

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