US Vice President JD Vance Embraces European Union Once More, Yet Questions Ukraine and Russia
Vance rekindles affection for Europe, yet remainsambivalent towards Ukraine and Russia. - European affection revives for Vance, while sentiments towards Ukraine and Russia diminish.
By Lukas Wessling* Approximately 3-Min Read
Originally published on ntv
A tempest, an extraordinary rebuke - that's how European newspapers heralded US Vice President JD Vance's address at the Munich Security Conference in February. Awaited with bated breath - but this? Vance lashed into the very heart of transatlantic relations: He condemned Europe for suppressing freedom of speech, dismantling democracy, and even championing the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Vice Chancellor Habeck labelled it the dissolution of the Western values alliance.
Fast-forward a few months, and Vance meets Wolfgang Ischinger, founder of the Munich Security Conference, in Washington. Suddenly, Vance is smitten with Europe again: Of course, the United States and European Union were allies. That would continue to be the case, the cultures being deeply entwined. "But that doesn't mean we can't criticize each other," Vance stressed. Friends need to ask the big questions, after all. The burning issues today are trade and defense, and the Ukraine war remains relevant.
That these issues are discussed less confrontationally compared to February is not because Ischinger has overlooked Vance's performance: After only a few cordial opening remarks, Ischingerbrandishes a brochure printed exclusively for this occasion: Vance's speech and the ensuing responses. Something like this had never occurred at the security conference before, says Ischinger. Vance chuckles.
"They despise each other so intensely"
Ischinger and Vance exchanged pleasantries genuinely. The nearly 80-year-old Ischinger recounted spending a month in Ohio, Vance's hometown, in 1995—then a German diplomat, negotiating the Dayton Agreement that brought an end to the Bosnian War. As a ten-year-old at the time, Vance watched unfolding events from afar. Now, with a charming son-in-law smile on his face, Vance was impressed. Ischinger appreciatively acknowledged that US intervention had initiated peace in Europe at that time.
Three decades later, the Europeans find no place in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Even the United States favors remaining a spectator, Vance suggests: "We're honestly frustrated," the US vice president confesses: "They detest each other so intensely that the initial half-hour of a one-hour dialogue is spent on their ancestral grudges."
Calling it absurd that both sides refuse to engage in conversations, Vance advocates for "level-headedness" and refers to potential economic incentives that might outweigh the hatred.
Keyword economy: What Vance anticipates from trade agreement negotiations with the European Union, Ischinger requests. Fairness, replies Vance. American software companies suffer unfairly, their European counterparts do not. It is incumbent upon the Europeans to offer self-defense and purchase American arms, Vance suggests.
At this point, Ischinger attempts to draw the Q&A to a close, referring to his distinguished confidant's tight schedule. But he interrupts, dismisses it humorously: "I'm enjoying this." His team would undoubtedly be apprehensive, he jokes, casting a wink over his shoulder.
JD Vance's Softened Stance Serves as a "Ray of Hope" in Germany
Ischinger alludes to the impending NATO summit: What message is Vance seeking from Europe? Five percent of GDP dedicated to defense - given European apprehensions, such a target is reasonable, Vance believes. However, it's not just about numbers; Vance evokes memories of Germany's previous balance between industrial strength and standard of living. Now, however, Europe is succumbing to de-industrialization—at a time when it becomes glaringly apparent that a robust industry is necessary to sustain military might.
He asserts that the United States is correct on defense matters, says Vance: "And I'm grateful that many of our European friends recognize that." Ischinger speaks of a "glimmer of hope"—Germany has temporarily suspended its balanced-budget rule for defense spending. Vance nods, squints thoughtfully.
In conclusion, Ischinger poses a question to US Vice President Vance: Will he accept the invitation to attend the Munich Security Conference again next year? Vance is gracious and replies that he wasn't sure if he would receive an invitation in light of his presentation in February. "Well," says Ischinger, "we gave it considerable thought." Vance erupted into laughter.
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- JD Vance
- European Union
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Wolfgang Ischinger
- USA
- Partners
- Munich Security Conference
- EU Trade Policies
- AfD
- Deindustrialization
- Defense Spending
Enrichment Data:There is no recent information available about a meeting between JD Vance and Wolfgang Ischinger in Washington. In the past, Vance has publicly shared his views on trade, defense, and the Ukraine war, which are summarized as follows:
Trade
- EU Trade Policies: Vance has been critical of the high tariffs and regulatory barriers impacting American exporters, urging the EU to create a more level playing field [1][3].
- Protectionism: Vance supports policies that prioritize domestic manufacturing and strategic industries [4].
Defense
- Defense Markets: Vance has advocated for greater access to European defense markets for American manufacturers, reflecting a focus on increasing U.S. defense exports [1].
- American Sovereignty: Vance views trade as an essential tool for safeguarding American sovereignty and industrial strength [4].
Ukraine War
- U.S. Involvement: Vance has expressed a desire to foster peace in Ukraine, albeit with no specific remarks on European involvement in the conflict. However, his emphasis on U.S.-European solidarity suggests support for joint efforts [3].
- Peacekeeping Force: Vance has not directly addressed the possibility of a European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine; however, Wolfgang Ischinger, a former German ambassador, has voiced concerns about European engagement without U.S. participation [5].
- The US Vice President, JD Vance, stated during his meeting with Wolfgang Ischinger that while he criticizes the European Union, he appreciates the strong partnership between the two, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
- Vance pointed out the burning issues at hand, such as trade and defense, and mentioned the Ukraine war as still relevant, expressing hope for level-headedness and potential economic incentives that might alleviate the tensions.
- In regards to trade, Vance conveyed his expectations for fairness in dealing with American software companies and requested self-defense purchases of American arms from the EU.
- During the meeting, Vance and Ischinger discussed NATO's upcoming summit, with Vance suggesting a QoQ defense spending of at least 5% of GDP from European countries and noting Europe's need for a robust industrial base to maintain military might.
