US vice president praises UK ties while encouraging EU nations to act with greater autonomy.

US Vice President JD Vance attends a swearing-in ceremony in Washington, DC, on January 21, 2025. Photo by Oliver Contreras/Bloomberg

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a notable shift in tone, US Vice President JD Vance urged European countries to assert greater independence from American foreign policy, even as he praised the strength of transatlantic alliances and reaffirmed the importance of US-UK ties. In an interview published Monday by the political website UnHerd, Vance said it is time for Europe to stop being, as he put it, a "permanent security vassal" of the United States — a pointed critique of the European Union's historical reliance on American defense and strategic leadership.

The comments came as part of a broader discussion about the current state of international affairs, particularly in the wake of recent moves by US President Donald Trump, who has imposed sweeping new global tariffs, rattling economies and raising fears of a deepening trade war. Against this backdrop, JD Vance urges Europe to seek independence from US foreign policy.

A more conciliatory tone, but clear on European autonomy

"I love Europe... I love European people," said Vance in a rare display of warmth toward the continent. His comments marked a departure from his more combative language during the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, where he criticized the EU for its stance on culture war issues and security policy.

But the vice president made it clear that affection does not mean unquestioning support for the current status quo. "It's not good for Europe to be the permanent security vassal of the United States," he said, underscoring what he sees as a lopsided dependency that weakens both sides.

In Vance's view, the best path forward involves a more balanced, equal partnership in which European nations are not merely following America's lead but are actively shaping their own global strategy. JD Vance urges Europe to seek independence from US foreign policy, he said, not to weaken the alliance but to make it stronger and more resilient.

Iraq war as a cautionary tale

Drawing on the example of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Vance argued that a more assertive Europe might have helped prevent what he called one of the United States’ biggest strategic mistakes. "I think a lot of European nations were right about our invasion of Iraq," Vance said. "If the Europeans had been a little more independent, and a little more willing to stand up, then maybe we could have saved the entire world from the strategic disaster that was the American-led invasion."

This view aligns with Vance’s broader philosophy that allies should not simply rubber-stamp American policy but should instead engage critically and constructively, even if that means opposing Washington at times.

Rebuilding confidence amid tariff upheavals

JD Vance’s remarks come at a time of intense economic uncertainty. President Trump has recently rolled out a wave of global tariffs, targeting dozens of countries before partially retracting some of them amid backlash from trade partners. The move has led to fears of another global trade war, with ripple effects already being felt in transatlantic relations.

Despite this, Vance attempted to calm nerves, suggesting that the administration remains committed to constructive economic engagement. "Trump's policies will lead to a lot of positive trade relationships with Europe," he said.

Still, he acknowledged that such progress might be uneven. Germany, in particular, faces an uphill climb due to its economic dependence on exports to the United States. “It’s going to be a little harder for them,” Vance admitted, suggesting that countries heavily invested in the current trade framework will need to adapt quickly to new realities.

A special relationship with the UK

While JD Vance urges Europe to seek independence from US foreign policy broadly, his tone shifted when discussing the United Kingdom. He praised Britain’s leadership and hinted at a fast-tracked bilateral trade deal that could further solidify what has traditionally been referred to as the “special relationship.”

"There’s a good chance that... we’ll come to a great agreement that’s in the best interest of both countries," Vance said, referring to the UK and US. He added that President Trump remains deeply fond of the UK and its royal family. "The president really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the queen," Vance noted. "He admires and loves the king. It is a very important relationship."

The British government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has been working to cultivate favorable ties with the new US administration. In a symbolic gesture, King Charles III extended an invitation to President Trump for a rare second state visit — a move widely interpreted as a diplomatic olive branch amid transatlantic tensions.

Policy divergence and political realism

What makes Vance’s position particularly noteworthy is the blend of realism and restraint he brings to the conversation. While affirming the value of NATO and long-standing alliances, he is unapologetic about his belief that too much dependence on the United States ultimately weakens global stability.

This echoes a recurring theme in his political rhetoric: allies must be strong in their own right, capable of making independent decisions, even when those decisions clash with American interests. As Vance sees it, Europe must evolve beyond its post–World War II posture if it is to remain a serious global player.

"I don't want the Europeans to just do whatever the Americans tell them to do. I don't think it's in their interest, and I don't think it's in our interests, either," he said.

Echoes of Trump but with softer tones

Though many of his comments reflect the Trump administration’s worldview — skeptical of multilateralism, transactional in economic matters, and firm on sovereignty — Vance appears more polished and conciliatory in his delivery. Unlike Trump, who often uses bombast and unpredictability as strategic tools, Vance is opting for clarity and steady rhetoric to communicate policy shifts.

His focus on independence, rather than confrontation, allows him to thread a difficult needle: signaling to allies that change is coming without burning bridges or provoking backlash.

A test for Europe and America

JD Vance’s statements may prompt European leaders to reassess their strategic posture. As Europe faces its own economic challenges, the message from Washington is clear: the old order is fading, and a new, more multipolar world is taking shape.

JD Vance urges Europe to seek independence from US foreign policy not as a threat, but as a challenge — and an invitation. Whether Europe embraces this new role, and whether the US remains open to a truly equal partnership, will be a defining question in the years to come.

In the meantime, Vance’s comments serve as a preview of the administration’s evolving doctrine: supportive of allies, wary of entanglements, and determined to redefine the terms of global engagement.