US military to close 15 bases in Europe

The US confirmed on the 8 January 2015 it would close 15 military bases across Europe in a move to save around $500m a year. The decision came as the US military sought to shift its attention towards Asia.

Countries affected included Germany, Belgium, Italy,the Netherlands, Portugal and the United Kingdom.

'The plans represent the culmination of the European Infrastructure Consolidation process, a two-year effort that was designed to ensure long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. presence in Europe', officials said.

• Primary Source

The Wall Street Journal, 08.01.14: U.S. Air Force Closing Some European Bases http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-air-force-closing-some-european-bases-1420729645

US: Department of Defense: News, 08.01.15: DoD Officials Announce European Infrastructure Consolidation http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123929

EUObserver, 09.01.15: US to close 15 EU military bases despite Russia crisis https://euobserver.com/defence/127153

Deutsche Welle, 08.01.15: US military moves to cut European air bases http://dw.de/p/1EHed

---