If the ‘America First’ policy turns into ‘America Alone’, the US too will suffer Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken tells American viewers in a revealing interview on US broadcaster CNN. Francken is in the US to discuss the crisis between Europe and the US with his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth. “This crisis must end. Every time we argue, Putin is drinking champagne,” the defence minister, displaying great understanding for US concerns, argues.
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“Nato marriage is in crisis. Marriage is not always easy but we must sort it out!”
Colin Clapson
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Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken (Flemish nationalist N-VA) is visiting US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in a bid to help resolve the tension between the US and its European defence allies.
Following diplomatic talks, Francken appeared on the American news channel CNN for an interview. He revealed little to nothing about his meeting with Hegseth, though it does become clear what the purpose of his visit was: NATO must continue to work together.
“I have no problem with the US government’s ‘America First’ policy. But if that policy results in ‘America Alone’, the American empire too will fall. No state can survive without allies. The US needs them too, so ‘America Alone’ would be a huge mistake.”
Understanding for US frustrations
During the course of his second term in office, President Donald J. Trump has regularly lashed out at his European NATO allies. Trump has stressed European states are not investing enough in defence and have failed to support the US during the onslaught on Iran.
The US also needs Europe, says defence minister Francken. “I understand the frustration: Americans feel they are footing NATO's bill and that Europe is not doing enough. But to say that NATO is nothing more than a paper tiger is not true. We are already doing more by implementing the 2 per cent defence spending target. I also understand the frustration within Europe regarding the US’s aggressive style.”
After difficult months at NATO, Francken wants the “marriage crisis” to be resolved. “Every time we are offensive to each other, Putin is drinking champagne. He’s drinking an awful lot of champagne! That is why I have just one clear message, and that is that we must put a stop to this.”
“We must continue talking and listen to one another. That is why I am here. We must continue to engage in dialogue. After a longstanding marriage of 80 years, we are now facing a marriage crisis that has lasted over a year. It’s a deep and difficult crisis. I’ve been married for over 20 years. It’s not always easy. We must sort out problems out.”
“Together we are stronger, to defend our freedom and democracy. Divided, we will fall. United, we stand. We in Europe, but also here in the United States.”
Call to defence companies
Earlier during his visit to the US, Francken called on American defence companies to relocate their production to Belgium. “Everyone is welcome. We’re not fussy,” he said yesterday at an event organised by the Atlantic Council in Washington.
During a meeting with several senior US defence officials, he proposed that Belgian industry should be involved in the production of missiles that Belgium has ordered from US companies. “We made that offer concrete today,” the defence minister posted on X.