U.S. Vice President JD Vance Launches Stinging Critique of European Democracies at Munich Security Conference
In a provocative speech at the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance launched a scathing attack on European democracies, claiming the greatest threat facing the continent wasn’t Russia or China, but the erosion of values from within.
While many anticipated that Vance’s address would focus on discussions to end the war in Ukraine, the Vice President instead used the platform to accuse European governments—including the UK—of abandoning core democratic principles.
He pointed to rising concerns around migration, free speech, and the undermining of fundamental freedoms, criticizing what he called Europe’s retreat from its values.
The address, which seemed more in line with the culture wars championed by former President Donald Trump, was met with an icy reception, marked by silence in the hall. Several prominent figures at the conference quickly condemned Vance’s comments, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius calling the remarks “not acceptable.”
Vance echoed the Trump administration’s stance on defense, urging Europe to “step up in a big way” and take more responsibility for its own defense.
However, the bulk of his speech diverted into a series of contentious cultural critiques, including a sharp condemnation of the European Union’s approach to free speech. He accused EU authorities of suppressing dissent and blamed Europe for the ongoing migrant crisis.
In a particularly controversial segment, Vance pointed to a legal case in the UK where an army veteran was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.
He argued that such laws restricting free expression were a direct threat to the basic liberties of religious citizens in Europe, particularly in Britain.
The UK government dismissed Vance’s claims, explaining that the law was carefully crafted to protect both free speech and access to reproductive healthcare services.
Vance also stirred the political pot in Germany, where, just days before a crucial national election, he touched on the debate surrounding the country’s refusal to cooperate with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Since the post-World War II era, mainstream German political parties have upheld a “firewall” against engaging with the far-right, but Vance called for the dismantling of this boundary, asserting that “democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters.” His comments were quickly embraced by AfD leader Alice Weidel, who shared excerpts of Vance’s speech online.
In response, Pistorius directly addressed Vance, denouncing his remarks as a dangerous comparison between European democracies and authoritarian regimes. “If I have understood him correctly,” said Pistorius, “he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regimes… that is not acceptable.”
Vance’s comments didn’t stop there. He also referenced the December annulment of Romania’s presidential election, which had been allegedly influenced by Russian interference.
The Vice President criticized the vulnerability of European democracies, remarking, “If your democracy can be destroyed with a few hundred thousand dollars of digital advertising from a foreign country, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with.” Romania’s Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, responded by reaffirming the country’s commitment to democratic values, emphasizing free and fair elections.
Despite the controversy, Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the conference, where Zelensky noted that more work was needed on planning to end the ongoing conflict.
Vance described their conversation as “fruitful,” marking a rare moment of agreement amid the larger tensions surrounding Europe’s security.
While Vance’s remarks were largely focused on internal European issues, the Munich Security Conference largely centered on Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine.
The gathering provided a backdrop for some tense diplomatic moments, including the absence of a Russian delegation, which was notably missing from the summit despite President Trump’s earlier suggestion that US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials would meet there.
Vance’s speech has sparked a wider debate about the state of European democracy and whether the values of the continent are truly under threat—not from external powers like Russia, but from within.
