US reduces military presence in Europe, reduces combat brigades for NATO from four to three

2026-05-20 19:11:31Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
US reduces military presence in Europe, reduces combat brigades for NATO from
NATO forces at the US-led "LIVEX Immediate Response 2025" military exercise, with the participation of forces from Greece, France, Spain, Croatia, Slovakia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Albania, near Xanthi, Greece.

The US Department of Defense has announced a reduction in the number of combat brigades deployed in Europe, from four to three. The decision comes as part of a broader review of the US military presence on the continent and is expected to affect the forces the United States makes available to NATO in the event of crises or conflicts.

According to Reuters reports, President Donald Trump's administration intends to significantly reduce the US military commitment in Europe, restoring deployment levels to those of 2021.

The Pentagon announced that the reduction has also led to delays in the deployment of US troops to Poland, while the final destination of the forces in Europe will be determined after further strategic and operational analysis.

Under the current NATO model, member countries jointly identify forces that could be used in the event of an attack on an alliance country or during major international crises. However, the US is expected to communicate to allies that there will be fewer forces available to NATO in the future.

The Pentagon statement says that this review is also related to the implementation of the "America First" policy, encouraging European allies to take more responsibility for the defense of the continent.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also held a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz, where they discussed the US military presence in Poland and cooperation within NATO.

The Pentagon stressed that Poland has demonstrated the ability and determination to guarantee its defense, while calling on other NATO countries to increase investments in their military security and defense.


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