German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) is reportedly hardening to any future clashes with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that Merz has had his civil‑servants compile a confidential inventory of the sectors in which the United States is particularly dependent on Germany, both economically and politically. The list is intended as a contingency plan, a response to Trump’s repeated attempts to use the economic heft of his country as a lever against partners.
The inventory contains German products that are vital to the U.S. economy-specialty machinery, medical devices, steel items, and construction equipment. It also names U.S. facilities that hold special significance for Washington, such as the Cologne/Bonn airport, which UPS, FedEx and Amazon use for a large share of their European business; the U.S. Air‑Force base in Ramstein; and the biggest U.S. military hospital outside the United States, located in Landstuhl.
According to the SZ, the existence of the extensive list does not mean it will be put to use immediately; it will remain hidden to avoid provoking Trump unnecessarily. Nevertheless, after the Greenland dispute, Merz wants to be fully aware of the leverage he would possess in the event of another power struggle. Berlin’s stance, the report notes, is simply to align with the practices of the United States-and, by extension, China.
Stefan Mair, director of the German Foundation for Research and Politics (SWP), said it is prudent for Berlin-like Brussels-to coordinate a “robust agenda”. “Trump reacts to pressure” he told the SZ, citing the Greenland case. “My impression is that Merz has drawn clear red lines”. However, Mair added, “In the area of security policy we are still in a weak position; we cannot yet defend ourselves conventionally on our own”.
