The Times learned about Germany's plans to increase the lease of military bases for the United States due to duties

Germany may significantly increase the rent for military bases for the United States on its territory as a response to threats by US President Donald Trump to impose additional duties against eight NATO countries. This was reported on January 18 by The Times newspaper.

"Berlin reacted with horror to reports of a possible withdrawal of American troops from some major bases on German territory, such as Ramstein and Stuttgart, which are important for projecting Washington's power into Africa and the Middle East. The source denied such plans, but admitted that Germany could significantly increase the rent for these facilities," the article says.

The publication also notes that after Trump's threats against Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom, Europe is looking for possible retaliatory steps.

Possible measures include suspending the ratification of the EU–US trade deal, introduced last summer, mutual duties, targeted export taxes, tougher regulatory measures against American technology and financial companies, as well as restrictions on imports of American LNG and weapons.

However, as The Times points out, any response would involve risks and costs for Europe itself, as the countries are closely integrated with the American economy and security system.

Northern influence: Europe and the United States on the verge of a trade war over Greenland

The European Union is nervous about Trump's plans to impose duties against EU countries

On January 17, Trump announced that Washington was imposing duties of 10% with the possibility of increasing up to 25% on a number of European countries due to the situation around Greenland. Starting from February 1, 2026, tariffs will apply to Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Finland.

The newspaper Le Figaro reported yesterday that French President Emmanuel Macron intends to request the activation of the EU's "instrument against coercion" if the United States imposes new trade duties.

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