Reports indicate that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is no longer willing to passively accept US pressure, particularly under the Trump administration. Following recent instances, such as US President Trump’s use of tariff threats in connection with annexation plans for Greenland, Merz has reportedly commissioned a list detailing potential economic countermeasures against the United States. This strategic shift signals a new, more assertive stance from Berlin in its dealings with Washington.
According to a report by the “Süddeutsche Zeitung,” the document aims to identify areas where the United States relies on Germany, rather than the other way around. This approach is said to align with US and Chinese diplomatic practices, as sources close to the Chancellor’s office suggest. The “extensive” list reportedly includes “neuralgic points and goods” Germany could leverage. Specific examples cited are the Cologne/Bonn Airport, a crucial hub for logistics giants like UPS and Amazon for their European operations, as well as the US Air Force base in Ramstein and the American military hospital in nearby Landstuhl.
Despite its creation, the document is intended to remain under wraps to avoid unnecessarily provoking the US government. A similar list reportedly compiled by the EU Commission also follows this principle. Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille declined to confirm the list’s existence, stating, “I have no idea what you are talking about,” but added that it is standard political practice to be “attentive and vigilant,” define one’s interests, and “make one’s own plans.” CDU executive board member Philipp Amthor hailed such a list as a sign of strength and self-confidence, particularly vital when dealing with Trump, who “understands the language of strength and not just the language of yielding.”
Amthor clarified that the goal is not to position Germany economically against the USA but to organize economic growth and competitiveness “from our own strength and preferably together with them.” Stefan Mair, head of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), also endorsed Berlin and Brussels adopting a “robust agenda,” noting that “Trump is someone who reacts to pressure,” as demonstrated by the Greenland case. Mair believes Merz is “marking red lines,” though he cautioned that Germany’s position in security policy remains weaker, as it is currently unable to defend itself conventionally alone. This strategic compilation underscores a potential recalibration of transatlantic relations.
