US Vice President JD Vance has strongly criticized European democracies, asserting that the primary danger to the continent stems not from external forces like Russia and China, but rather from internal issues.

During his address at the Munich Security Conference, many anticipated Vance would discuss potential negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

However, he devoted most of his speech to accusing European governments, including the UK’s, of abandoning their core values and disregarding public concerns regarding immigration and freedom of speech.

The speech was met with silence from the audience, and several attendees later condemned his remarks. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius deemed Vance’s comments “unacceptable.”

Reiterating a previous stance from the Trump administration, Vance insisted that Europe must significantly enhance its own defense capabilities.

While he briefly referenced the conflict in Ukraine, expressing hope for a “reasonable settlement,” Vance’s main focus shifted toward culture-war topics that echoed themes from Trump’s presidential campaign, diverting from the typical security and defense dialogues expected at the conference.

He claimed that EU leaders were curtailing free speech, attributed the continent’s challenges to mass migration, and accused them of retreating from vital democratic principles.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, remarked that Vance appeared to be “looking for a confrontation” with Europe, home to several of the United States’ most steadfast allies.

Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Russia, criticized Vance’s statements as “offensive” and “factually incorrect.”

In a 20-minute speech, Vance specifically pointed out various European nations, including the UK.

He highlighted a legal case involving an army veteran who was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic, violating a designated 150-metre buffer zone established in October 2022 that prohibits any advocacy or protests regarding abortion services.

Vance argued that the “fundamental freedoms of religious Britons” were under threat.

Days ahead of a critical national election in Germany, he also touched on the contentious issue regarding mainstream parties’ commitment to a “firewall” policy of non-cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Since democracy was reinstated in Germany after WWII, a consensus has existed among major political factions to avoid collaboration with far-right entities.

“Democracy hinges on the vital principle that the people’s voice counts,” stated Vance. “There is no place for firewalls; you either uphold the principle or you do not.”

Alice Weidel, the AfD’s chancellor candidate, later shared parts of his speech on X, applauding it as “outstanding.” Reports indicate they met afterward, according to German public broadcaster ZDF.

Pistorius explicitly addressed Vance in his own speech, asserting, “The US vice president’s claims put democracy’s integrity at risk across Europe.”

“He equates parts of Europe with authoritarian regimes, and that is simply unacceptable,” Pistorius added.

Vance also referenced the annulled Romanian presidential election, which was scrapped in December due to evidence of Russian interference, highlighting concerns about the strength of democracy.

“If your democracy can be dismantled with just a few hundred thousand dollars spent on foreign digital advertising, it was never robust to start with,” he remarked.

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu affirmed that his nation remains “a staunch defender of the democratic values shared with the USA.”

He emphasized that all Romanian authorities are dedicated to conducting free and fair elections to empower citizens and secure voting freedoms.

Later, Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the conference, largely focused on Russia’s ongoing invasion. Zelensky stated that further planning is required to conclude the conflict, while Vance described their discussion as “productive.”

Former President Trump indicated that US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials would convene in Munich, although Russia has announced it will not send a delegation to the summit.