It has become increasingly clear that Europe can no longer rely on the United States as a trusted ally. The Trump administration has distanced itself from Europe while strengthening ties with Russia and “betraying” Ukraine.
This development is of great concern to Portugal and other committed European members of NATO and the European Union.
On day one of the 61st annual Munich Security Conference, European leaders were stunned by a speech from United States Vice President J.D. Vance. In his address, Vance barely mentioned Russia or Ukraine, despite the war in Ukraine being the central focus of the conference agenda. Instead, he delivered a blistering attack on European politicians, accusing them of “retreating” from their democratic values. He claimed that the primary threat to some of Europe’s fundamental principles came not from Russia or China, but from within Europe itself. He criticised European governments, including Britain, for censoring free speech, failing to control illegal migration, ignoring religious freedom, and avoiding the question of how to resolve the Ukraine war.
It was clear that Vance had little respect for America’s long-standing European partners. His 20-minute rant was condemned outright by European leaders, sparking a furious backlash. At best, Vance’s tirade was described as “bizarre.”
On the second day of the conference, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky went further, making it abundantly clear that he fully respected and trusted European countries and strongly advocated for the formation of a united European military force. He walked a fine line in trying not to antagonise the Trump administration while emphasising that the defence of Europe was now, more than ever, the responsibility of Europeans rather than the United States within NATO.
“Let’s be honest, now we can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it,” said Zelenskyy. He went on to say: “Does America need Europe as a market? Yes, but as an ally? I don’t know. For the answer to be yes, Europe needs a single voice, not a dozen different ones.”
In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European NATO countries are trying to ramp up their defence budgets from an average of 2.2% of GDP to between 2.5% and 3%. Poland plans to reach 4.7% this year, while Estonia and Latvia are committed to spending 5%. Portugal hopes to reach more than 4% by 2029.
President Zelenskyy and European representatives want to be present at the negotiations about to take place between America and Russia over the war in Ukraine. A senior Ukrainian official may have a seat at the table, but there is little hope of Ukraine fulfilling its wish to join NATO so long as the United States is a key member.
Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg was asked whether Europe could participate in the US – Russia negotiations. He responded, “I am from the school of realism and that is not going to happen.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency summit for European leaders in Paris today (Monday) to address the latest confusing and controversial challenges created by President Trump. Only the most influential European countries have been invited to the Paris summit. Portugal will not be represented.
The US president has already spoken with Putin by phone, and a meeting to discuss peace in Ukraine is expected to take place soon in Saudi Arabia between senior American and Russian officials.
Portugal’s prime minister and defence minister recently met in Brussels with their NATO counterparts, expressing deep concern over President Trump’s sudden close friendship with Vladimir Putin and its implications for the security and defence of Ukraine and the rest of Europe. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro emphasised that defence is a political priority and called for a recovery and resilience programme to fund investment in the face of threats in various sectors, particularly regarding vital maritime connections in Portugal.
“We have a war on European territory. We have our defence and security threatened in various areas.” Of vital maritime importance, he said, are the marine cables that connect Portugal with the American continent and pass on to other parts of Europe and beyond.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the final day of the Munich Security Conference, numerous breakout meetings and sideline discussions were held to address issues raised over the previous two days. More than 850 participants attended, including some 40 heads of state, 40 foreign minister, 25 defence minister, as well as representatives from think-tanks, NGOs and businesses.
Written by Len Port
Edited by Catriona Anderson.
