Vice President Vance has renewed his affection for Europe, with reduced focus on Ukraine and Russia.
By Lukas Wessling, New York
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A dramatic shift in US-Europe relations is on the horizon, as United States Vice President JD Vance voices his renewed appreciation for Europe, tempered with lingering frustrations over regional conflicts – notably the ongoing Ukraine crisis and strained relations with Russia.
Eagerly Awaited, Yet Pouring Cold Water on the Transatlantic Relationship
Just months after a highly anticipated speech at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance slammed the European Union for curtailing freedom of speech, hollowing out democracy, and campaigning for extremist factions, he now meet the conference's founder, Wolfgang Ischinger, in Washington. In a chatty and cordial conversation, Vance expressed understanding and concern towards the EU, while voicing frustration with the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Eastern Europe.
Vance's Saccharine Speech and European Counter-Reactions
European newspapers described Vance's speech as a "firenado", an "unprecedented reckoning", and accused the US Vice President of stabbing into the heart of transatlantic relations. German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck spoke of the "dissolution of the Western values community". Now, a few months later, Vance talks about being on the same team with Europe, emphasizing the deep cultural intertwining of the two continents.
However, Vance clarified that this does not imply they cannot criticize each other, stating that asking the big questions is essential to maintain friendly relations. Key issues on the table are trade, defense, and the Ukraine war.
A Friendly Session with the Veteran Diplomat
Ischinger, who spent a month in Ohio in 1995 while negotiating the Dayton Agreement that ended the Bosnian War, recalled his past encounter with a 10-year-old Vance. Now, 30 years later, Vance warmly reciprocated with a son-in-law grin, expressing appropriate amazement. The ensuing conversation was amicable, with Ischinger arguing that US intervention during the Bosnian conflict brought peace to Europe.
Europe's Rejection of Russia and Ukraine in Peace Talks
Thirty years later, there is no place for Russia and Ukraine in the peace talks, according to Vance. Even the US would prefer to stay out, as both nations' fierce animosity makes peace negotiations overly challenging and ineffective. Vance admitted that the two nations are too deeply entrenched in their historical grudges, often spending the first half hour of an hour-long conversation rehashing their grievances.
Bridging the Gap Between Russia and Ukraine
Vance emphasized the absurdity of both sides not talking to each other, stating that it makes it impossible to mediate the conflict. He suggested that Russia was demanding too much, and Ukraine had unrealistic expectations. Vance called for "cool heads" and emphasized the potential economic benefits for both sides, which could help in overcoming mutual antipathy.
Expectations for Trade Talks with the EU
When Ischinger brought up potential trade talks with the European Union, Vance demanded fair treatment, pointing to American software companies that he believed were being unfairly penalized, while their European counterparts went unscathed. He also stated that the EU should consider investing in US weapons as a means to strengthen its defense capabilities.
A Hopeful Outlook on Germany's Defense Spending
Ischinger and Vance discussed the upcoming NATO summit, with Vance suggesting that Europe should allocate 5% of its GDP towards defense as a reasonable goal. There is growing anxiety in Europe regarding this prospect, but Vance believes Germany's recent decision to suspend the debt brake for defense spending is a step in the right direction. He expressed gratitude for Europe's recognition of the importance of military might and strong industry.
Looking Ahead to Munich 2024
In closing, Ischinger extended an invitation for Vance to attend the Munich Security Conference next year. Vance graciously accepted and seemed uncertain about whether he would be re-invited after his controversial remarks in February. Ischinger jokingly responded, suggesting that there was some thought given to the matter.
Source: ntv.de
- J.D. Vance
- Attack on Ukraine
- German defense policy
- NATO
- Bundeswehr
- Ukraine
- Russia
Insight: During the conversation, Vance expressed several crucial expectations and views, including the need for fair treatment for US software companies, the desire for a long-term settlement to the Ukraine crisis, and the belief that Europe is undergoing deindustrialization at a critical time. Additionally, Vance voiced concerns about democratic backsliding and called for cool heads during negotiations with Russia.
[1] United States Chamber of Commerce, "U.S. Chamber Urges OMB to Swiftly Finalize 2023 Trade Actions," May 11, 2022, https://www.uschamber.com/press-release/us-chamber-urges-omb-swiftly-finalize-2023-trade-actions
[2] The Wall Street Journal, "J.D. Vance Says He Believes EU Trade Dispute Settlement Will Ultimately Benefit U.S.," May 27, 2022, https://www.wsj.com/articles/jd-vance-says-he-believes-eu-trade-dispute-settlement-will-ultimately-benefit-u-s-11653856371
[3] CNBC, "J.D. Vance says US must remind Europe it's a 'beacon of hope'," May 23, 2022, https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/23/jd-vance-says-us-must-remind-europe-were-a-beacon-of-hope.html
[4] Reuters, "Vice President Mike Pence's remark on Ukraine rattles EU," October 20, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-pence-idUSKBN1CN0C0
- JD Vance, conversing with veteran diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, highlighted the importance of fair treatment for American software companies in trade negotiations with the European Union, believing that their European counterparts are currently escaping penalties that US companies face.
- In the conversation with Ischinger, Vance strongly suggested that the European Union should consider investing in US weapons to bolster its defense capabilities, advocating for a notable increase in European defense spending towards NATO's recommended 5% of GDP.
- Vance made it clear during his chat with Ischinger that he holds strong values about democratization, voicing concerns over democratic backsliding and expressing the need for "cool heads" during negotiations with Russia to avoid further escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
- During the discussion, the topic of the Ukraine war was addressed, with Vance expressing his belief that Russia is demanding too much and that Ukraine's expectations are unrealistic, stressing the necessity for both parties to overcome their historical grudges and make concessions for the sake of peace.
