NATO panic as US makes major decision over future with allies facing £259bn problem

The has confirmed it will discuss scaling back its troop presence in Europe with allies in what would be a major blow to strength on the continent. American ambassador to the military alliance Matthew Whitaker said no decisions had been made after being asked to respond to reports that the administration is mulling over withdrawing troops from Europe.

He said: "But as soon as we do, we are going to have these conversations in the structure of . It will be certainly after the summit, sometime later in the year, we are going to start those conversations."

The has an estimated 128,000 troops stationed in nations across Europe, according to the Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) think tank. The move would likely spark panic among NATO members in Europe as WW3 fears grow throughout the continent.

is home to the biggest presence of personnel, while there is also a significant number based in the , and .

In a new report, the IISS painted a concerning picture over Europe's defences in the event of a rapid withdrawal from the continent, within two years.

It said Europe would need to spend between £170 billion and £259 billion to replace conventional capabilities on the continent, although over a 25-year period this could more than triple.

But Mr Whitaker, speaking at a security conference in Estonia, said the would work towards ensuring no security gaps are formed.

He said the and its allies "need to work through the practical consequences".

During his first presidency, sought to withdraw around 12,000 soldiers from , but the Biden administration later cancelled this plan.

Speculation over the White House considering reducing its troop numbers in Europe has come amid and wider concerns over Washington's commitment to security on the continent.

The President, who has been a regular critic of Europe and , previously said he would not defend alliance members not paying enough for their own defence, saying: "It's common sense, right.

"If they don't pay, I'm not going to defend them. No, I'm not going to defend them."

The administration has signalled European security is not of primary concern and the President has urged countries to spend 5% of their GDP on defence - something no alliance member, including the , is currently doing.