The United States is set to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany, a key NATO ally, as announced by the Pentagon on Friday. This decision represents the most significant step yet by Washington to reduce its military footprint in Europe.
The move follows a public disagreement between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the conflict in Iran. It also comes after months of criticism from Washington alleging that European nations have not contributed sufficiently to supporting American efforts in the region or to their own defence.
How many US troops are in Europe?
As of December 2025, the United States had approximately 68,000 active-duty military personnel permanently assigned to its overseas bases in Europe, according to data from the US Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). These figures do not include rotational forces sent on deployment and exercise missions.
The US military is spread over 31 permanent bases and a further 19 military sites to which the Department of Defense has access, as of March 2024, according to a Congress report.
US European Command (USEUCOM) oversees US military operations across Europe, working with NATO allies through six component commands representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Special Operations Forces, and the newly established Space Force. These components are headquartered in Germany and Italy and focus on crisis response and security cooperation across Europe and Africa.
Where in Europe are the US troops stationed?
US troops are stationed in more than a dozen European countries, with Germany, Italy, and Britain having the largest presence of personnel. Below is a breakdown of some of the largest contingents.
Germany
The largest US base in Europe is the air base near the German city of Ramstein, where troops have been stationed since 1952. According to DMDC data, as of December 2025, 36,436 active service members were stationed in Germany, divided into five garrisons.
Italy
US military personnel have been stationed in Italy since the end of World War Two and comprise Army, Navy, and Air Force divisions. DMDC data shows that Italy hosted 12,662 active-duty soldiers at the end of 2025 across bases in Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, and Sicily.
Britain
The US forces in the United Kingdom comprised 10,156 service members as of December last year, garrisoned in three bases, hosting mainly Air Force personnel.
Spain
Spain hosts US Navy and Air Force bases near the Strait of Gibraltar. DMDC data shows that as of December 2025, 3,814 personnel were permanently assigned to Spain.
Poland
Poland hosts 369 permanently assigned active-duty service members, as well as about 10,000 personnel of rotational forces funded through the European Deterrence Initiative, according to DMDC and Congressional Research Service data. The personnel are garrisoned across four bases with temporary US access.
Romania
Similarly to Poland and other ex-communist bloc countries, Romania hosts a rotational presence of US forces on top of 153 permanently assigned service members, according to DMDC and the Congressional Research Service. The bases to which the US has access include Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Camp Turzii, and Deveselu.
Hungary
The US conducts rotational deployments and exercise missions in Hungary. DMDC reported in December that the country hosted 77 permanently assigned service members stationed in two bases: Kecskemet and Papa Air Base.
