"Revamping Relations" VP Vance Enthusiastic About EU, Frustrated With Russia and Ukraine
Vice-President Vance expresses renewed affection for Europe, with mixed sentiments towards Ukraine and Russia.
By Lukas Wessling, New York
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp E-Mail Print Copy Link When Europe's on the team, criticism is allowed: US Vice President Vance showed particular affection for the EU in a recent conversation with Munich Security Conference founder Wolfgang Ischinger. Despite his past criticism of Europe's democratic shortcomings, Vance acknowledged the cultural connection between both nations and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue.
The talkstein in Germany labeled Vance's February speech at the Munich Security Conference a "firestorm" and an "unprecedented reckoning." Europe keenly awaited his remarks, anticipating a fierce attack. But Vance shocked many by arguing that Europe had stifled free speech, undermined democracy, and even campaigned for right-wing parties like the AfD. Vice Chancellor Habeck responded angrily, decrying the "dissolution of the Western values community."
Fast forward a few months, Vance and Ischinger meet in Washington, D.C. However, this time around, Vance Praises Europe, expressing a mutual understanding and an expressed frustration over the ongoing negotiations to end the conflict in Eastern Europe.
"Europe and the U.S. are in the same boat," says Vance, "and that won't change. But that doesn't mean we can't have our disagreements." Influential nations across the globe are dealing with a variety of challenges, and this is no different for Europe and the U.S., he remarks.
Politics A Changed Tune for Vance: The tone of the conversation between Vance and Ischinger was far friendlier than their exchange in February, a change perhaps influenced by the passage of time. Now, the two are practically chums, exchanging pleasantries about mutual experiences and personal anecdotes.
Vance shares a hearty laugh when Ischinger presenting him with a brochure that contains his infamous speech and the reactions it received. Quite an unusual gesture, but one that sets the tone for a more amicable discussion.
"Back in 1995, I was still a kid," confesses Vance, "but Germany's role in bringing peace to Europe through the Dayton Agreement was remarkable." Ischinger, who was a German diplomat at the time, reciprocates the sentiment with gratitude, acknowledging the significant influence of American intervention in preserving European peace for years.
Politics "A Peace consisting of Hatred and Demands" As the conversation turns to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Vance expresses his exasperation and disenchantment with the endless bickering between the two nations. "It's absurd that they aren't talking to each other," admits Vance. This lack of dialogue makes any attempts at mediation impossible, he says.
In his eyes, both Russia and Ukraine bear unrealistic expectations, while Russia is demanding too much. Vance emphasizes the need for cool heads and looks for economic incentives to address their differences and bridge the gap.
Economy: A Call for Fair Trade: Vance also talks about the trade deal between the U.S. and the E.U., discussing expectations and hopes for a future agreement. He stresses the importance of fair treatment for U.S. companies, which he believes are disadvantaged compared to their European counterparts.
In addition, Vance encourages the E.U. to increase its defense spending and support U.S. arms manufacturers in their projects, pointing out a potential source of economic growth for Europe and security advantages for the United States.
Conclusion and Quest for Peace: The discussion between the two men comes to a close with Ischinger extending an invitation for Vance to attend the Munich Security Conference again next year. Vance heartily agrees, appreciative of the invitation despite his past "firestorm" speech. In their jovial exchange, it's clear that the two men have built a rapport and share a common goal: to broker peace in Eastern Europe and strengthen transatlantic relations.
Source: ntv.de
- J.D. Vance
- Peace Initiatives
- Trade Relations
- European Defense
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Vice President Vance, while criticizing Europe's democratic shortcomings in the past, now acknowledges the cultural connection between the US and the EU, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue.
- In a recent meeting in Washington D.C., Vance praised Europe, expressing a mutual understanding and his frustration over the ongoing negotiations between Europe and Russia and Ukraine in Eastern Europe.
- Vance discusses the trade deal between the US and the EU, stressing the importance of fair treatment for US companies and also encourages the EU to increase its defense spending and support US arms manufacturers.
- Vance expresses his exasperation and disenchantment with the Ukraine-Russia conflict, stating that it's absurd that they aren't talking to each other, and emphasizes the need for cool heads and economic incentives to address their differences and bridge the gap.
