The United States is reviewing its military presence in Europe. On the one hand, there have been announcements of a reduction in the number of American troops stationed in Germany. On the other, Washington has signalled the possible deployment of an additional 5,000 soldiers to Poland. According to Professor Andrew Michta, an American political scientist, the United States expects its European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defence and to invest more heavily in armaments. For now, Europe’s ability to deter potential adversaries remains insufficient.
“The United States is most likely not going to change its relations with European countries. There will be a reduction in troops. One brigade has already been announced and will leave Germany. The question remains where it will be redeployed. But I believe that when it comes to bilateral relations, it remains in the vital interest of both the United States and Europe to control access across the Atlantic. This will continue,” Professor Andrew Michta, political scientist and professor of strategic studies at the Hamilton School at Florida State University, told Newseria.
On 1 May this year, the Pentagon announced that the United States would withdraw 5,000 troops from military bases in Germany. The process is expected to take between six and 12 months. On 20 May, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued an official statement confirming a reduction in the total number of US Brigade Combat Teams in Europe from four to three. This means a return to the level seen in 2021.
According to the US administration, the decision is the result of a review of the United States’ military presence on the European continent and of new foreign policy priorities. At the same time, Washington announced a temporary delay in the deployment of US forces to Poland, which it described as a “model ally”. The following day, President Donald Trump announced on social media that an additional 5,000 US troops would be sent to Poland.
The Associated Press, citing officials from the US Department of War, reported that it remains unclear whether this would involve redeploying units already stationed in Europe or sending additional troops from the United States. On the Polish side, there has also been a proposal to establish a new permanent US military base in Poland.
In his statement, the Pentagon spokesman stressed that the department would determine the final destination of US forces in Europe based on further analysis of American strategic and operational requirements, as well as on the ability of allies to contribute forces to the defence of the continent.
“The United States expects Europe to rearm and take responsibility for conventional deterrence and defence. The United States will of course provide the nuclear umbrella and what we call high-end enablers, meaning advanced technologies. But it can no longer remain the sole backbone of the alliance. In the conventional sphere, this responsibility must shift to Europeans,” Professor Michta said. “Europe wants the United States to remain here because, for the next 10 years, defence and deterrence in Europe will not function without this ally.”
According to data from the European Commission, defence spending by EU member states increased by 62.8 percent between 2020 and 2025, rising from EUR 234 billion to EUR 381 billion. The European Union itself has also been taking steps for several years to strengthen the defence capabilities of the European community. One example is the SAFE loan mechanism, under which EUR 150 billion is to be allocated to purchases in the defence industry. Defence is also expected to be among the priorities of the EU’s next multiannual budget for 2028–2034.
“Europe has very limited ability to act independently, mainly because there has been a reduction in armaments and, in effect, a collapse of the defence industry. Orders have been insufficient for years. This has led to atrophy in European armies. This needs to be rebuilt, but it will take a long time. The Americans are necessary in order to deter Russia, together with the Europeans,” the political scientist emphasised.
The current debate over the future of US forces in Europe therefore reflects a broader strategic shift. Washington continues to see Europe as an important partner, particularly when it comes to securing the transatlantic space. At the same time, however, it expects European countries to assume a larger share of the burden in conventional defence.
For Poland, the review of US military deployments is particularly important. The country remains one of NATO’s eastern flank states most exposed to the security consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine. A stronger American presence in Poland would not only have military significance, but would also send a political signal about Washington’s commitment to regional security.
At the same time, the possible reduction of US forces in Germany and the discussion about relocating troops further east show that the architecture of NATO’s presence in Europe may be gradually changing. The key question is whether such changes will strengthen deterrence on the eastern flank or merely redistribute existing resources without increasing the overall level of security.
Experts point out that Europe’s challenge is not only to spend more on defence, but also to rebuild industrial capacity, increase ammunition production, modernise armed forces and improve coordination between allies. Without these changes, even higher defence budgets may not quickly translate into real military capabilities.
The United States is therefore sending a clear message to its European partners: American support will remain important, especially in areas such as nuclear deterrence, advanced technologies and strategic enablers. However, Europe must become capable of taking greater responsibility for its own conventional defence.
For the coming years, the transatlantic security relationship will likely be defined by this balance. The United States will remain indispensable for deterring Russia, but European countries will be expected to invest more, rebuild their armed forces and strengthen their defence industries. Poland, located on NATO’s eastern flank, may become one of the main beneficiaries of this strategic shift — but also one of the countries facing the greatest responsibility.
