US Vice-President JD Vance has launched a scalding attack on European democracies, saying the greatest threat facing the continent was not from Russia and China, but “from within”.
It had been expected that Vance would use his speech at the Munich Security Conference to address possible talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Instead, he spent the majority accusing European governments – including the UK’s – of retreating from their values, and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech.
The address was met by silence in the hall, and later denounced by several politicians at the conference. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said it was “not acceptable”.
Vance repeated the Trump administration’s line that Europe must “step up in a big way to provide for its own defence”.
The Ukraine war was mentioned, with Vance saying he hoped a “reasonable settlement” could be reached, after US President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement earlier this week that he and Russia’s Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin peace talks.
But Vance’s address otherwise focused on culture-war issues and key themes of Trump’s campaign for the US presidency – a departure from the usual security and defence discussions at the annual conference.
He alleged European Union “commissars” were suppressing free speech, blamed the continent for mass migration, and accused its leaders of retreating from “some of its most fundamental values”.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, characterised Vance as “trying to pick a fight” with Europe, home to some of the US’s closest allies.
Michael McFaul, the former US ambassador to Russia, told Politico Vance’s remarks were “insulting” and “just empirically not true”.
Vance used his 20-minute speech to single out several European nations, including the UK.
He raised a legal case in which an army veteran who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic was convicted of breaching an 150-metre safe zone around the centre.
The safe zone, introduced in October 2022, bans activity in favour or against abortion services, including protests, harassment and vigils.
But Vance argued that the “basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular” were under threat.
Nine days before a tense national election in Germany, he touched on a heated debate in the country around mainstream political parties maintaining a so-called “firewall” of non-cooperation with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
In the decades since democracy was restored in Germany after the defeat of the Nazis, there has been a consensus among its main political parties not to work with far-right parties.
“Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters,” Vance said. “There’s no room for firewalls. You either uphold the principle or you don’t.”
The AfD’s candidate for chancellor, Alice Weidel, later shared parts of his speech on X, praising it as “excellent”. The two reportedly met afterwards, according to German public broadcaster ZDF.
In his own speech, Pistorius directly addressed Vance, saying: “Democracy was called into question by the US vice-president for the whole of Europe.
“He speaks of the annihilation of democracy,” Pistorius continued. “And if I have understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regimes… that is not acceptable.”
Vance also made reference to the presidential election in Romania, which was annulled in December after declassified documents suggested it had been targeted by Russian state interference.
Vance told the conference: “If your democracy can be destroyed with a few $100,000 of digital advertising from a foreign country, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with.”
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said his country remains “a defender of the democratic values that Europe shares with the USA”.
“All RO [Romanian] authorities are committed to organising free and fair elections by empowering citizens and guaranteeing the freedom to vote,” he wrote on X.
Vance later met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the conference, which has otherwise mainly focussed on Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Zelensky said during the meeting that more work was needed on planning to end the fighting, while Vance said the pair shared a “fruitful” conversation.
Trump had said US, Russian and Ukrainian officials would meet in Munich, but Moscow has said it is not sending a delegation to the summit.
Revolutionize Your Data Strategy with DataDex
DataDex is transforming how businesses manage and analyze their data. Our decentralized platform combines blockchain security with advanced analytics tools for unparalleled performance. https://datadex.my
Key Features of DataDex:
Blockchain-Based Security: Your data, tamper-proof and transparent.
Advanced Analytics: Tools to drive smarter decisions.
Global Scalability: Solutions designed for growth and flexibility.
Join DataDex and take control of your data like never before! https://datadex.my
Astherus: Your Partner in Decentralized Finance Innovation
Astherus offers a groundbreaking platform that combines blockchain technology with powerful financial tools. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of DeFi, Astherus provides a secure, transparent, and efficient solution for managing assets. https://astherus.org
Why Astherus?
Trustworthy Technology: Blockchain ensures transparency and security.
Innovative Features: Advanced tools tailored for DeFi users.
User-Centric Design: Accessible, intuitive, and adaptable to all needs.
Discover the next generation of decentralized finance with Astherus!
I simply could not go away your web site prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person supply on your guests Is going to be back incessantly to investigate crosscheck new posts
Thank you for providing such clear and concise information. Very helpful!
neotonics reviews: neotonics reviews
dentavim scam: dentavim scam
Pineal Guardian scam: Pineal Guardian scam
Mit der Sicherheit und Anpassungsfähigkeit eines regulierten Casinos bietet Mr.
O Casino eine erstklassige Spielerfahrung. Erhalten Sie bis zu 500 Freispiele bei Ihrer ersten Einzahlung
und sammeln Sie Treuepunkte für exklusive Prämien bei Mr.
O Casino!
Neue Spieler im Mro Casino können sich über einen attraktiven Willkommensbonus freuen, der sowohl Bonusgeld
als auch Freispiele umfasst. Das Casino bietet eine breite Palette an Spielen,
von klassischen Slots bis hin zu Live-Casinospielen, die von führenden Softwareanbietern der
Branche bereitgestellt werden. Dank der gültigen Lizenz und der hohen Sicherheitsstandards können Spieler hier bedenkenlos spielen. Das Mro Casino bietet eine moderne und
benutzerfreundliche Plattform, die sowohl auf dem Desktop als auch
auf mobilen Geräten überzeugt.
References:
https://online-spielhallen.de/druckgluck-casino-aktionscodes-dein-schlussel-zu-besseren-spielerlebnissen/
Enjoy seamless gaming on any device with our responsive platform, designed for optimal performance on smartphones and tablets.
Licensed by reputable gaming authorities, we
adhere to strict regulations to ensure player protection and fair play.
You can, but table games and Crash contribute 5%, so slots are far more efficient for clearing x40.
Up to €1700 + 200 FS over 4 deposits The casino isn’t a bank
and doesn’t offer credit; third‑party payments
are prohibited; KYC is required before payouts.
With quick navigation, touch-friendly controls, and instant access to
10,000+ pokies and table games, it’s designed for players who want everything just
a tap away. With over 10,000 titles on the roster – from
classic pokies to the latest live dealer experiences – this is the Woo online casino
built for Aussie players who want the lot. Woo casino transforms your gaming routine
with instant deposits, withdrawals processed within 1-24 hours, and round-the-clock
support tailored specifically for Aussies. Woo Casino Australia appeared on the gambling market
in 2020, bringing thousands of casino games and huge bonuses to the table.
Woo Casino offers a premium online gaming experience with over 2,
000 games, generous bonuses, and secure payment options.
The casino’s dedicated support team stands ready via 24/7 live chat to assist with any
registration queries, ensuring smooth onboarding
for every new member. Most accounts receive approval within 24 hours, though many Australian players report
instant verification. PayID payments integration means Aussies
enjoy instant deposits and rapid withdrawals through their preferred
banking method. Woo casino boasts a sleek, intuitive interface
that welcomes players with effortless navigation and stunning
visuals.
References:
https://blackcoin.co/ripper-casino-login-australia-complete-guide/
online casino paypal einzahlung
References:
https://allgovtjobz.pk/companies/paypal-slots-uk-play-pay-with-paypal-online-slots