Pentagon begins review of US forces and bases in Europe

The U.S. Department of Defense has officially started a review of its force posture and overseas bases on the European continent. The effort was announced by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and detailed by Deputy Secretary for Policy Elbridge Colby during a NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels. The review aims to assess troop levels, base locations and overall presence, with the stated goal of encouraging European NATO members to assume greater responsibility for conventional defense. No specific reductions or relocations have been disclosed; the process is expected to last up to six months, though it could be completed sooner. It will involve input from U.S. European Command, consultations with Congress and allied partners, and coordination with General Alexus Grynkewich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The initiative follows repeated calls from the Trump administration for allies to shoulder more of the security burden as U.S. strategic focus shifts toward China.