US-Europe war of words

Yesterday (February 15), German Chancellor Olaf Scholz gave a speech at the Munich Security Conference taking place in Munich (Germany) from February 14-16.

Not just with the EU

Chancellor Scholz’s speech strongly rebutted US Vice President JD Vance’s earlier remarks on February 14, also at the Munich Security Conference. In his speech, Vice President Vance criticized European governments for censoring free speech and political opponents.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the Munich Security Conference

Also on February 14, US Vice President Vance met with the leader of the far-right AfD party - a German political party following the rising far-right trend in Europe. In recent times, both the traditional political circles of European countries and the European Union (EU) have sought to prevent the rise of far-right parties.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President Vance said that Europe's biggest challenge is not Russia or China, but rather the bloc's own internal problems. The US vice president said that European countries have gone against democratic values ​​by restricting the activities of far-right political parties and imposing harsh laws, including praying near abortion facilities. Mr. Vance said that Europe no longer shares the democratic values ​​that are similar to the US.

For many years, the US has often used the concept of "common values" and "similar values" as a key means to connect and strengthen cooperation with allies and partners. Therefore, Mr. Vance's statement seems to sever the connection between the US and Europe.

Therefore, Mr. Vance's statement is considered a "slap in the face" to European countries, especially when US President Donald Trump just had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Ukraine conflict. The agreement between Washington and Moscow is considered to "overlook" European countries.

Responding to the statement about the German far-right AfD party mentioned by the US Vice President, German Chancellor Scholz stated: "That is inappropriate, especially between friends and allies. We firmly reject that." Mr. Scholz also affirmed that there are "good reasons" not to work with AfD.

US, Europe find it difficult to find common ground on Ukraine issue

Not only is the US in tension with the EU, it is also showing signs of tension with its vital ally, the UK. Specifically, regarding the peace talks roadmap for Ukraine, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent a message that he would not admit Kyiv into NATO. However, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 14, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that Ukraine's accession to NATO is almost inevitable.

A common army for Europe?

Also speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv would not accept peace talks without his country's participation. Zelensky's message was a rebuttal to the content of the agreement that US President Donald Trump reached with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a peaceful solution to the Ukrainian conflict.

"We will never accept agreements without our participation," The Guardian quoted him as saying. At the same time, President Zelensky affirmed that he would not rule out Ukraine's accession to NATO during peace negotiations. This is seen as an attempt by Kyiv to strengthen its security capabilities after reaching an agreement with Russia.

Not only that, President Zelensky also called on European leaders to act for themselves. The solution he proposed was to consider establishing a common European army.

In fact, the idea of ​​a common European army was conceived in the 1950s under the proposal of France. However, the development of the NATO alliance caused this idea to be buried for many decades. However, throughout the past half century, France has still wanted to reduce the influence of the United States in Europe in general and NATO in particular.

That is why, when the US administration under President Trump recently had many tensions with Europe, following Washington's trend of wanting the old continent's countries to contribute more to NATO, the idea of ​​a common European army is gaining attention.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khau-chien-my-chau-au-185250215220348294.htm