U.S. Shutdown Strains European Military Bases on Day 40

It's day 40 of the U.S. government shutdown, and beyond domestic rows over spending, its ripple effects are now straining American military outposts across Europe.

Italy Steps In for Aviano and Vicenza

In northern Italy, about 2,000 local staff at U.S. bases in Aviano and Vicenza have yet to receive their October paychecks. Rome has urged Washington to resolve the impasse quickly, warning that the lack of income is hurting families who keep jets fueled, mess halls running, and security checkpoints staffed.

Portugal & Germany Fill the Gap

In what unions hail as a show of solidarity, Portuguese authorities have temporarily covered wages for several hundred base employees near Lajes Field, while German ministries stepped up for thousands more at Ramstein and other key sites.

Mounting Pressure & Possible Labor Action

EU labor unions warn that if pay delays persist, workers may resort to strikes or other action—threatening readiness at critical hubs supporting Nato missions, humanitarian airlifts, and joint training exercises.

Why It Matters

Beyond frontline geopolitics, the shutdown unveils how interconnected military logistics and civilian workforces are—and how domestic policy deadlocks can reverberate globally. For young professionals eyeing careers in defense contracting, tech support, or international security, it’s a stark reminder that global stability often depends on steady paychecks and timely policy decisions.

With Washington under mounting pressure from European partners, eyes are now on Capitol Hill to see when—and how—the shutdown will end.

Reference(s):

U.S. shutdown impacts overseas bases as Europe pushes for unpaid salaries

cgtn.com