American vice president Mike Pence tried to reassure Europe on Trump's commitments, but the counterparts didn't show enthusiasm
by Emanuele Bonini
The United States of America have no intention of reconsider the engagement towards Europe, the US vice president Mike Pence said on Monday during his official visits to the EU institutions chiefs. EU leaders have been considering the new American administration as a problem for the future of the trans-Atlantic ties, and Pence was in Brussels to reassure the historic partner about the intentions and political agenda of the White House. «On behalf of President Trump I reaffirm the strong commitment of the US to continued cooperation and partnership with EU». Pence's key message was sent in the occasion of the bilateral meeting with the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk. Of course on the other side of the ocean expectations are high. «We will continue to do our part but Europe's defence requires Europe's commitment as much as it does ours», said the former governor of Indiana, resuming an issue already pointed out by Barack Obama's administration. Politically speaking, Pence was sent to Brussels to build the first diplomatic ties with the Europeans after the US electoral campaign, during which Trump's statements on the European Union generated general discontent. Concerns were raised also on the foreign affairs agenda, with Trump ready to reconsider the American approach on Russia. According to Pence's assurances, nothing is supposed to radically change. «On Ukraine the United States will continue to pursue any Russian accountable».
European leaders welcomed Mike Pence's declarations with mild optimism and some skepticism. The president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, invited today to keep calm and wait the US administration when put to test. «Some positive messages come from Pence, but I believe that we have to wait some time and see what it will be done». In his opinion, it is essential to «wait in order to well understand what is the real position of the White House instead of focusing on the position of single advisors». Totally different is the opinion of Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, who put the new president of the United States amongst the problem of Europe. Speaking in the federal Parliament of Belgium, Juncker didn't hide what he defined «a multiple crisis», that includes «Brexit, Greece, Syria and Trump». Despite Pence's efforts, doubts and mistrust remain in Europe.
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| Mike Pence (left) and Donald Tusk |
The United States of America have no intention of reconsider the engagement towards Europe, the US vice president Mike Pence said on Monday during his official visits to the EU institutions chiefs. EU leaders have been considering the new American administration as a problem for the future of the trans-Atlantic ties, and Pence was in Brussels to reassure the historic partner about the intentions and political agenda of the White House. «On behalf of President Trump I reaffirm the strong commitment of the US to continued cooperation and partnership with EU». Pence's key message was sent in the occasion of the bilateral meeting with the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk. Of course on the other side of the ocean expectations are high. «We will continue to do our part but Europe's defence requires Europe's commitment as much as it does ours», said the former governor of Indiana, resuming an issue already pointed out by Barack Obama's administration. Politically speaking, Pence was sent to Brussels to build the first diplomatic ties with the Europeans after the US electoral campaign, during which Trump's statements on the European Union generated general discontent. Concerns were raised also on the foreign affairs agenda, with Trump ready to reconsider the American approach on Russia. According to Pence's assurances, nothing is supposed to radically change. «On Ukraine the United States will continue to pursue any Russian accountable».
European leaders welcomed Mike Pence's declarations with mild optimism and some skepticism. The president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, invited today to keep calm and wait the US administration when put to test. «Some positive messages come from Pence, but I believe that we have to wait some time and see what it will be done». In his opinion, it is essential to «wait in order to well understand what is the real position of the White House instead of focusing on the position of single advisors». Totally different is the opinion of Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European Commission, who put the new president of the United States amongst the problem of Europe. Speaking in the federal Parliament of Belgium, Juncker didn't hide what he defined «a multiple crisis», that includes «Brexit, Greece, Syria and Trump». Despite Pence's efforts, doubts and mistrust remain in Europe.
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