Philipp Amthor, a member of the CDU board and parliamentary state secretary, said that it is appropriate that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has, according to media reports, issued a list of economic measures aimed at confronting the United States. The list is said to illustrate in which sectors the U.S. is economically dependent on Germany and on Europe.
Amthor told the TV channel “Welt” on Friday: “It is already important for us that foreign policy also prepares for different scenarios”. He added that the discussion with former U.S. president Donald Trump, framed diplomatically as a collaboration, made it clear that Trump speaks the language of strength rather than mere concession. “That is why it is also essential for us to position ourselves now, to establish the right signals-as the European Union and as Germany” he explained. “I think the Chancellor’s confidence in this matter is exactly what is needed”.
Despite this, Amthor stressed that the aim is not to economically counter the United States. “Our goal is not to organise the economy or economic growth and competitiveness against the United States of America. Rather, we can also strengthen ourselves and ideally work alongside them”.