As the U.S. government shutdown enters its 40th day, ripple effects are reaching American military installations in Europe, where thousands of local staff face unpaid salaries. Italy has formally requested Washington address delayed October payments for approximately 2,000 employees at bases in Aviano and Vicenza, signaling growing diplomatic friction over the budgetary impasse.
Portugal and Germany have taken emergency measures to temporarily cover wages for base workers, with Lisbon supporting 700 employees and Berlin assisting 1,500 personnel. Union representatives warn of escalating tensions, with one labor organizer in Naples stating: "Families are choosing between heating and groceries. If this continues, we'll see strikes before Christmas."
The shutdown's international consequences highlight vulnerabilities in overseas military operations, with 86,000 Department of Defense civilian employees globally affected. Analysts note the strain comes at a sensitive time for NATO cohesion, as European members already face pressure to increase defense spending.
