Concerns in Berlin: What second Trump term could mean for Germany?

Germany, a key player in the European Union, is closely monitoring the upcoming elections in the United States, with apprehensions in Berlin about how a second term for Donald Trump could strain relations with Washington.

According to the Saudi publication Arab News, the current dynamic between outgoing President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been tense but more productive compared to the challenges faced by former Chancellor Angela Merkel and Trump, who often struggled with communication, Caliber.Az reports.

Historical disagreements, such as over the 2003 Iraq War, have marked the post-war relationship between Germany and the US.

Biden has worked to stabilize bilateral ties, especially concerning Ukraine. He and Scholz have found common ground on issues like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic growth.

Presently, diplomatic relations between Berlin and Washington are improving. The transatlantic aerospace trade conflict, which revolved around government support for Boeing and Airbus, has been resolved. Retaliatory tariffs on non-aerospace goods have been lifted, and both parties have committed to not undermining future research and development investments.

Furthermore, Biden has moderated his stance on trade and defence spending, moving away from Trump’s previous critiques of Germany’s trade surplus and defence spending commitments.

Biden’s strategic objectives involve bolstering NATO in light of increasing threats, including from Russia, and enhancing ties with Berlin.

German politicians are wary of the upcoming US elections, preferring a victory for Democrat Kamala Harris over another Trump term, which could escalate tensions in bilateral relations.

The anticipated anti-China policies from Trump may also add to these tensions.

In summary, despite the cordial exchanges between Biden and Scholz, the November elections leave Berlin anxious. While few EU nations would welcome another Trump presidency, Germany could face the most significant repercussions.

By Tamilla Hasanova