Vance Adopts Softer Tone, Says US and Europe 'On Same Team'

US Vice-President J.D. Vance on May 7 said Europe and the US were "on the same team" but needed a better joint security posture, taking a more conciliatory tone after alarming allies with sharp remarks during a visit to Germany in February.

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At a Washington event sponsored by the Munich Security Conference (MSC), Mr. Vance reiterated his and President Donald Trump's belief that Europe needed to take on more responsibility related to defense. Mr. Vance said both sides of the Atlantic had become too comfortable with an outdated security system that was not adequate to meet the challenges of the next 20 years.

Mr. Vance has played an attack dog role repeatedly for Mr. Trump on foreign policy but stepped back from that approach in his remarks at the conference on May 7.

"I do still very much think that the United States and Europe are on the same team," he said, noting how European and American culture and civilizations were linked.

"It's completely ridiculous to think that you're ever going to be able to drive a firm wedge between the United States and Europe. Now that doesn't mean we're not going to have disagreements."