Pentagon formally launches six-month review of US military presence in Europe

Published Jul 28, 01:02 PM UTC

On July 28, 2026, the Pentagon formally commenced a six-month review of the US military presence in Europe, as announced by Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby. The review was initially announced by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth during a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels on June 18. The primary objective is to accelerate NATO's shift toward European states taking primary responsibility for their own conventional defence, ensuring a more balanced engagement within the alliance. The review is tied to the NATO 3.0 concept, a modernized version of the Cold War alliance structure. Colby stated the review will align US troops with the objectives of the National Security Strategy and National Defence Strategy. It will involve input from the US Armed Forces, European Command, Congress, and allied nations. Colby emphasized working closely with Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Alexus Grynkewich, on this initiative.