NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting: Blinken Speaks Plain Text

Blinken may be critical of the new US Secretary of State. He demonstrated it at the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers. Germany also received criticism. On one issue, however, the United States is taking a softer approach.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken likes to be clear. I would prefer it, he confided to journalists in Brussels, when conflicts are openly on the table. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas felt this directly in a face-to-face conversation on Tuesday night. It was the Nord Stream 2 oil pipeline in the Baltic Sea.

Helga Schmidt
ARD studio Brussels

The next morning, the new US Secretary of State openly reported that the conversation was not exactly consensual. It was good, said Blinken, who was able to speak directly to Maas: “Just to make our position clear and make sure there are no misunderstandings.” That is exactly what he did.

Nord Stream 2 “Europe divided”

There were no comments from Maas on the course of the dispute over the Baltic Sea pipeline. Blinken made it clear that the plumbing was a bad idea. It divides Europe, at the risk of depending too much on gas from Russia. “I stressed this to Foreign Minister Maas,” Blinken said.

And he also stressed that “companies involved in the construction of the pipeline must wait for sanctions from the United States.” Washington had already imposed sanctions on a company involved in January.

Does the United States want to bring its own gas to the EU market?

Some of the criticism of the Blinken pipeline was more aimed at the American audience, according to EU circles. Both Republican and Democratic deputies reject gas supply through Moscow.

Furthermore, it is assumed that critics of the US pipelines are interested in being able to better bring their liquefied gas to the European market.

However, it was noted that Blinken’s clear text on the subject of Nord Stream 2 was not missing from any of his public appearances in Brussels. The attacks on the federal government were unmistakable.

At least Blinken added: “Germany is one of our closest allies.” Washington will not let disagreements over Nord Stream 2 get in the way of close cooperation on other important issues.

Fewer disputes over the defense budget

Criticism of the level of defense spending was more moderate than in Trump’s four years: Blinken reminded us that all NATO partners have committed to the two percent target. That amount should continue to be invested in the military in proportion to economic power. But a single number does not “fully reflect a country’s contribution to defending our collective security.”

Federal Defense Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer repeatedly called for greater attention to be paid to qualitative services, such as military operations. The solidarity of the alliance can not only be linked to money, it is said in German diplomatic circles.

The American Secretary of State now sounded similar at NATO headquarters. Washington sees the need to “take a holistic view.” It is still more than questionable whether the German contribution of now 1.56 percent will be sufficient. Stays clearly below target.

More contact with Russia, but also more protection

With a view to Russia’s policy, Maas vowed to revive the NATO-Russia Council. The discussion forum remains inactive: there have been no political exchanges with Russian representatives since mid-2019.

From the perspective of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the cause is clear: “This is because Russia did not respond positively to our invitation.” The meetings fell on the agenda, report NATO diplomats. NATO wants to talk about Ukraine, Russia refuses.

The new Secretary of Defense of the United States now proposes to take two paths. Stoltenberg supports it: cooperation with Moscow if it is in the Western interest. But at the same time, NATO must adapt its deterrence and defense to the dangers posed by Russia. Stoltenberg listed: “Cyber ​​attacks, violations of international law, nuclear weapons and attempts to influence elections.”

China should show its willingness to reform

As far as China is concerned, the new Blinken gave a diplomatically packaged warning in the direction of the EU. He criticized the investment deal that Chancellor Angela Merkel had initiated shortly before the end of the German Council presidency. On the issues of forced labor, company protection and state subsidies, China has yet to prove that promises made are being kept. Washington insists on that, Blinken said, adding another point: the European Parliament insists on that, too. MEPs from various political groups had harshly criticized the investment deal. The agreement cannot enter into force without the approval of Parliament.

US President Joe Biden himself will undoubtedly deepen China’s policy, his Foreign Minister announced to Europeans. And already at the EU summit on Thursday night. So Biden wants to join the video conference of the heads of state and government. A first.

It will be about transatlantic relations, according to the EU Commission. And probably also on the expectations that the American president has of the Europeans.