Munich: At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized European leaders, claiming that internal political issues pose a greater danger to the continent than external threats from Russia or China.
In his first major address since taking office, Vance accused European governments of stifling free speech, mishandling immigration, and isolating right-wing parties from political influence. His remarks, which diverged from expectations of a clear U.S. stance on the Ukraine conflict, drew a cold reception from the audience.
Vance warned that European democracies risk collapse by suppressing public opinion and compared modern European leaders to Cold War-era authoritarian regimes. He pointed to incidents such as the United Kingdom’s arrest of a man for praying near an abortion clinic and Sweden’s conviction of an anti-Islam protester as examples of diminishing civil liberties.
The vice president also condemned Romania’s recent decision to annul a presidential election over claims of foreign interference, arguing that canceling elections undermines democratic principles.
During his visit, Vance met with leaders including German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz, and far-right AfD party leader Alice Weidel, a move that sparked backlash from Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Pistorius dismissed Vance’s assertion that right-wing voices are being silenced, calling his criticism of Germany’s democratic practices “unacceptable.”
Vance’s address came amid heightened transatlantic tensions following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial statement that Ukraine may need to accept permanent territorial losses to Russia. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced that U.S.-Russia peace talks would begin without Kyiv’s direct involvement.
Despite the uproar, Vance’s remarks won praise from President Trump, who called the speech “brilliant” and echoed concerns about Europe’s immigration policies. Vance’s appearance coincided with a tragic event in Munich, where a car attack by an Afghan asylum seeker left dozens injured. The vice president cited the incident as a grim reminder of the consequences of Europe’s immigration policies.
On the other hand, the European analysts is seeing this speech as an announcement of cultural war in Europe, showing disappointment from Trump's policies for Europe.
