US Vice President JD Vance hailed his country's transatlantic alliances, expressing a more positive view, but called on European countries to show more independence.

"I love Europe. I love Europeans," Vance told news and opinion website UnHerd in rare positive comments about the European Union and Britain.

"It's not good for Europe to be a permanent vassal of the United States in the area of security," he said, echoing his previous rebukes of EU states for their alleged dependence on the US in security and economics.

"I don't want Europeans to just do what the Americans tell them. I don't think it's in their interest, and I don't think it's in our interest," the vice president said.

Over the past few weeks, US President Donald Trump has upended the global economic order by imposing, then partially repealing, sweeping global tariffs.

From the war in Ukraine to claims over Greenland, Trump's policies are testing relations with longstanding US allies.

Just weeks after taking office, Vance made headlines after launching a scathing attack on Europe over culture war issues at the Munich Security Conference.

According to Vance, it is "good for the United States" if Europe is more "independent" - allowing countries to "defy" American foreign policy decisions.

"I think many European countries were right about our invasion of Iraq. If the Europeans had been a little more independent and a little more willing to resist, then maybe we could have saved the whole world from the strategic disaster that was the American-led invasion of Iraq," Vance said.

Seeking to allay fears of further trade wars and economic uncertainty, Vance said Trump's policies "will lead to a very positive trade relationship with Europe."

However, he explained that this would be harder to achieve for some countries such as Germany, which is "heavily dependent on exports to the US".

But the Vice President had words of praise for the UK. He said that "there is a good chance that we can reach a great agreement that is in the interests of both countries".

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to reassure the new administration and secure a favourable trade agreement. King Charles III has invited Trump for a rare second state visit.

"The president really loves the United Kingdom. He loves the queen. He admires and loves the King. It's a very important relationship," Vance said. | BGNES