DoD consolidates US infrastructure in Europe
The US Department of Defense (DoD) has announced on 8 January that it will be consolidating some of its infrastructure in Europe. This will include returning 15 of its sites to host nations.
The European Infrastructure Consolidation (EIC) process will save the government around $500 million per year. The actions will slightly lower force levels but ensure effective positioning for quick response of the US and NATO allies to crises worldwide. The US footprint will reduce but the infrastructure in place will continue to support US interests and partners in the region.
Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense, said: 'As part of an overall restructuring of our basing in Europe, we have been working with our allies to reposition thousands of our military and civilian personnel within the region.
'I know that this will result in a reduction in size of our local host nation workforces at some locations; I value the tremendous support they provided us for decades and continue to provide today. In the end, this transformation of our infrastructure will help maximise our military capabilities in Europe and help strengthen our important European partnerships, so that we can best support our NATO allies and partners in the region.'
The US Congress approved the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI), a total of $985 million for DoD. This will enhance the country's rotational presence in Europe for training, exercises, and other NATO activities. It will implement infrastructure improvement projects to support the increase military presence by the US and other Eastern European allies, pre-position US assets in Europe and enable the US to build the capacity of new allies and Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth]()
Rheinmetall vehicle sales almost double as European companies see continued growth
Results for Q1 2025 have been strong across the board for many defence companies in Europe with forward-looking statements and predictions for the full year also looking good.
-
![Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?]()
Why is the defence market “exploding exponentially” for autonomous targeting capabilities?
Solutions that identify, engage and destroy targets with minimal or no human intervention are becoming critical on tomorrow’s battlefield.
-
![Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds]()
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
