Edith Hejberg
The failure to pass a budget has affected both domestic and overseas operations, adding pressure on allies and contractors globally.
In a move highlighting the ongoing financial impasse in Washington, Germany will cover the salaries of thousands of civilian staff working at American military bases on its soil this October.
The German Finance Ministry confirmed the decision on Wednesday, calling it an “exceptional expense.”
Budget deadlock in the US sparks salary shortfall
The U.S. government shutdown, in effect since October 1, has stalled funding for several federal operations, including the Department of Defense.
Without congressional approval for new spending, American agencies are unable to pay contractors or staff abroad.
Around 11,000 workers affected at US bases in Germany
Roughly 11,000 employees working at American military facilities across Germany are directly impacted by the budget freeze.
Their October pay would have been delayed without Germany’s financial intervention, according to the Finance Ministry.
Germany to be reimbursed later by the United States
Though Germany is footing the bill this month, the U.S. is expected to reimburse the full amount. “The federal government will incur an exceptional expense to ensure that October salaries are paid on time,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
Trade union Verdi urges swift action
The Verdi union, representing workers in Germany’s service sector, had publicly called on Berlin to step in.
On Tuesday, the union estimated that around 12,000 local employees across U.S. bases were at risk of missing paychecks due to the American budget deadlock.
U.S. shutdown leaves federal workers in limbo
The broader U.S. shutdown has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
The failure to pass a budget has affected both domestic and overseas operations, adding pressure on allies and contractors globally.
Major U.S. military hubs hit across southern Germany
The bases affected include key American military installations in Ramstein and Kaiserslautern (Rhineland-Palatinate), Wiesbaden (Hesse), Stuttgart (Baden-Württemberg), and Oberpfalz (Bavaria).
These are strategic hubs for NATO and U.S. operations in Europe.
Civilian staff play critical support roles
The local civilian employees aren’t just administrative staff, they handle vital support services including logistics, food preparation, medical care, firefighting, and base security.
Their absence would severely impact day-to-day operations.
Past shutdowns handled more smoothly
Unlike previous U.S. budget impasses, this shutdown has directly jeopardized salaries for staff in Germany.
In the past, these employees continued to be paid according to the collective agreement governing U.S. forces stationed in the country.
German government’s move avoids crisis on the ground
By stepping in, Germany has prevented a potential disruption to base operations and local livelihoods.
Many of the civilian staff are German citizens who rely on steady pay, making Berlin’s action a practical necessity as well as a political gesture.
Uncomfortable optics for Washington
The situation poses a diplomatic embarrassment for the United States, highlighting its internal political struggles and reliance on allied support to maintain overseas military readiness.
A reminder of U.S.–Germany interdependence
While this incident underscores Washington’s fiscal dysfunction, it also highlights the deep interconnection between U.S. defense infrastructure and its European partners.
Germany’s readiness to help may reinforce that strategic bond, despite the awkward optics.
What happens next?
All eyes are now on Congress to resolve the funding deadlock. While Germany’s assistance avoids an immediate crisis, continued inaction in Washington could force similar interventions or create longer-term uncertainty for U.S. military operations abroad.
This article is made and published by Edith Hejberg, which may have used AI in the preparation
