U.S.-European Alliance Under Trump’s Second Term.
Vice President JD Vance speaks with German diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger at the Munich Leaders Meeting.
Navigating a Transatlantic ‘Marriage Crisis’
President Donald Trump’s second administration has significantly tested the U.S.-European alliance, with his nationalist and protectionist policies creating friction with the European Union and NATO. However, recent developments suggest both sides are working to adapt to this new reality.
European nations are increasing their defense spending to meet and exceed NATO’s 2% of GDP threshold, while the Trump administration appears to be moderating its rhetoric toward European allies.
Vance Shifts Tone Toward European Partners
Vice President JD Vance, who faced criticism for his confrontational approach at February’s Munich Security Conference (MSC), struck a more conciliatory tone during last week’s Washington-based MSC session. Speaking as Western leaders commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, Vance emphasized that the United States and Europe were “on the same team.”
A Conversation with Belgium’s Defense Minister
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, who attended Vance’s recent address, shared his perspective on the evolving transatlantic relationship in an interview.
When asked about his previous concerns regarding “America alone” diplomacy, Francken clarified, “I don’t have problems with an ‘America First’ policy, that’s up to Americans. The only thing I said is that when you have ‘America First,’ you have to be careful that it’s not ending as America alone. Every empire falls when it’s isolated.”
Francken, who describes himself as an “Atlanticist,” emphasized the historical bonds between the U.S. and Europe: “I very much believe in our historical bonds. I just laid flowers at the Battle of the Bulge monument at Arlington Cemetery to remind all Belgians that the Americans were there. They saved us, and they saved us with a lot of lives.”
Reflecting on the 80th anniversary of Europe’s liberation, he added, “When we’re united, we’re the strongest. Nobody can defeat us. When you’re alone, and you’re having beef with Europe, or with European politicians, and with Canada, and with pretty much everybody, I don’t think that’s what you should do.”
European Defense Spending on the Rise
Francken acknowledged the validity of American concerns about European defense contributions: “Why do 350 million Americans need to pay security bills for 550 million Europeans? It makes no sense.”
He pointed out that this criticism isn’t unique to the Trump administration: “And it’s not something new. [Former president Joe] Biden said it; so did [former president Barack] Obama.”
The Belgian minister proudly noted his country’s progress: “We need to do more by ourselves, and that means that we need to step up our defense. And I can tell you very clearly, Belgium is back on track. We’re doing the 2 percent this year. We were one of the founding fathers of NATO, but we weren’t the best pupil of NATO class in recent years, and now we did the correction.”
Trade Tensions Complicate Defense Cooperation
Despite this progress, Francken expressed concern about the timing of Trump’s tariffs on European goods: “When I talk about defense, it is probably not the best timing to put tariffs on European enterprises and European citizens.”
He highlighted the contradiction in U.S. policy: “In the same week I said I want to buy more F-35 [fighter jets], the United States said, ‘We are going to tariff you.’ It is difficult to explain to my parliament and also to my voters that we will buy more American equipment.”
Francken confirmed that U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin has agreed to produce new F-35s for Belgium at a facility in Italy rather than in the United States.
Resisting China’s Diplomatic Overtures
When asked about speculation that tensions with the U.S. might push Europe closer to China, Francken offered a cautionary metaphor: “When you have a marriage crisis, don’t search immediately for a new partner, because then the marriage will end.”
He acknowledged China’s diplomatic efforts but remained steadfast in his commitment to the transatlantic alliance: “The People’s Republic of China is really hoping for a transatlantic split. It’s really putting a lot of diplomatic effort in that with a lot of contacts. They’re really active in Europe for the moment. But we’re not there yet.”
Ukraine Strategy and European Unity
On the subject of Ukraine, Francken expressed skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith: “I believe in the good intentions of the United States, and I want this war to end as well. Everybody wants that. But I really don’t think that you can count on Moscow’s good intentions. It’s not in their strategic interest to stop the war.”
He predicted that even if a ceasefire were achieved, it would be temporary: “And even when they make a ceasefire, it will just last months, maybe a couple of years, and then they will restart.”
Francken expressed confidence in Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, with or without U.S. involvement: “I think that Europe is standing really strong. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed real leadership. And new German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is on the same line. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is there. She’s very strong.”
He concluded with a firm stance on European support for Ukraine: “And they all say, ‘Okay, with or without the United States, we will keep on supporting Ukraine.’ We do this because of our Ukrainian bonds. But we also will do this because of our own security interests, because we have to stop Putin and be very clear that he has to stop with this killing and warmongering.”
Reference
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