In his interview with UnHerd, Vance emphasized that it's "not in Europe's interest, and it's not in America's interest, for Europe to be a permanent security vassal of the United States."12 This statement reflects a consistent theme in Vance's foreign policy vision, where he advocates for a more balanced relationship between the US and its European allies.

The Vice President specifically praised Charles de Gaulle, the iconic French postwar leader who, according to Vance, "loved the United States of America" while recognizing the importance of European military independence.13 By invoking de Gaulle's legacy, Vance frames his position not as abandonment but as encouragement for Europe to develop greater self-sufficiency in matters of security and foreign policy, suggesting that true partnership requires both sides to stand on equal footing rather than in a subordinate relationship.45

Underlying Vance's call for European autonomy is a pointed critique of most European nations' defense capabilities. With few exceptions—notably the UK, France, and Poland—the Vice President believes European militaries are inadequately prepared to provide for their own reasonable defense.12 This assessment comes after decades of what he characterizes as American subsidization of European security, an arrangement he considers neither sustainable nor beneficial for either continent in the long term.3

The Vice President suggested that greater European independence could have potentially prevented historical foreign policy missteps, specifically citing the US-led invasion of Iraq as a "strategic disaster" that might have been averted had European allies been more willing to stand up to American decisions.4 This perspective represents a significant departure from traditional American foreign policy rhetoric, positioning European autonomy not as a threat to American interests but as a potential check and balance that could benefit both sides of the Atlantic.

Despite his calls for European autonomy, Vance acknowledges the enduring value of transatlantic cooperation. The relationship between the United States and Europe has historically served as a cornerstone of the post-World War II international order, with NATO and the EU functioning as pillars of stability that have helped maintain peace in Europe after conflicts that cost over 500,000 American lives in two world wars.1

The transatlantic partnership offers substantial mutual benefits beyond security arrangements, including a massive economic relationship that generates over $5 trillion annually in foreign affiliate sales and directly employs more than 9 million workers across both continents.1 This economic interdependence creates what some analysts describe as leverage in "standard-setting approaches" that can "secure economic prosperity across the Atlantic" while making the combined market attractive to companies from third countries.2 As Vance navigates this complex relationship, he appears to be seeking a balance between encouraging European self-sufficiency and preserving the strategic advantages of transatlantic cooperation.

Beyond security matters, Vance addressed economic relations and governance issues in his UnHerd interview. While acknowledging recent tensions over tariffs under the Trump administration, he expressed optimism about "positive trade relationships" with Europe, albeit on more reciprocal terms.1 He specifically mentioned there's a "good chance" of a new US-UK trade deal amid the current global tariff turbulence.2

The Vice President also voiced frustration with European leadership on domestic issues, particularly immigration policy. He urged European governments to be more responsive to voters' concerns, arguing that ignoring public sentiment undermines democratic trust.3 This criticism follows earlier statements where Vance accused European leaders of suppressing free speech, highlighting his broader concerns about governance approaches across the Atlantic.4