US Troop Cuts in Europe May Be Smaller Than Expected

Washington may pull fewer soldiers out of Europe than planned, Bloomberg reports, as European allies agree to spend more on defense.

US troop cuts in Europe could turn out smaller than first expected, Bloomberg reports, citing unnamed sources.

Allies Expect a Much Smaller Reduction

“One source said that allies expect an overall reduction of 5 thousand troops,” the report says. That figure is far below the earlier plan.

The Original Plan Was Far Bigger

Bloomberg notes that officials had planned to cut the US contingent in Europe by 25,000 troops. About 80,000 American service members are stationed there today. The first version of the US troop cuts in Europe was therefore much deeper.

Higher European Defense Spending Changes the Picture

Washington may now withdraw fewer troops because European countries agreed to raise their defense spending, the report says. That deal has softened the planned military drawdown across the continent.

Trump Has the Last Word

US President Donald Trump will make the final decision, according to the report. Until he does, the size of the US troop cuts in Europe remains open.