The Pentagon is reviewing plans to reduce the US military presence in Europe, NBC News reported on Thursday.

One option could remove about 25,000 US troops from the continent. Another could involve a reduction of up to 40,000 personnel, according to NBC News.

The United States currently has about 80,000 troops stationed across Europe.

Officials have not made a final decision. The Pentagon is conducting a broader review of its military posture on the continent.

Pentagon Reviews US Forces in Europe

The six-month review covers American air, naval and ground forces.

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich leads the review. He heads US European Command and serves as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Grynkewich is expected to present an initial assessment to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The review will examine several options. These include reducing forces, changing deployments and moving some troops toward NATO’s eastern flank.

Hegseth is expected to receive a final recommendation on November 6. The proposal would then go to President Donald Trump for consideration.

Germany, Italy and Spain Could Feel Impact

Germany, Italy and Spain host some of the largest US military deployments in Europe.

A major reduction could therefore affect American forces and facilities in those countries.

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The review may also shift some forces toward NATO’s eastern members. Poland and other countries in the region have sought a stronger US military presence amid security concerns linked to Russia.

The Pentagon must balance those demands with the administration’s plans to redirect some US military resources to other regions.

European Allies Raise Security Concerns

The possible troop reduction has raised concerns among some US lawmakers and European governments.

They argue that a rapid US withdrawal could affect NATO’s ability to deter Russia.

The Trump administration, however, has repeatedly called on European allies to take greater responsibility for their own conventional defence.

The administration wants European countries to increase their military capabilities while the United States focuses resources on other strategic priorities.

The review will determine how far Washington can reduce its European footprint while maintaining its broader NATO commitments.

State Department Seeks Role in Review

The Pentagon review has also created differences within the US administration.

NBC News reported that the State Department and Pentagon have disagreed over aspects of the process.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly intervened in June after the Pentagon prepared to brief NATO defence ministers about possible large-scale troop reductions.

Some US senators have since urged Rubio to ensure that American diplomats remain closely involved.

They argue that diplomats in European capitals can provide important information about the potential impact of any changes.

No Final Decision Yet

The Pentagon has not announced a final troop reduction.

The review will consider the military requirements of Europe, NATO’s eastern flank and other US strategic priorities.

Any major change could affect US relations with European allies and the wider NATO security structure.

For now, officials are weighing several options. The final decision will depend on the Pentagon’s recommendations and the Trump administration’s assessment.