After clashing with Canada, Mexico, Middle East and Greenland, the Trump-led American administration showed little regard for Europe when JD Vance publicly criticised the political fabric of the European Union at the Munich Security Conference. The 2025 speech by JD Vance, delivered on February 14 during the 61st Munich Security Conference, ignited significant controversy among European nations. In his address, Vance sharply criticised European Union leadership, accusing them of eroding freedom of speech and democratic principles.

Several media outlets viewed the speech as a pivotal moment in US-European relations, coinciding with a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Some commentators described it as an ideological and cultural challenge to European allies, suggesting that it disrupted decades of trans-Atlantic cooperation. The emerging rapprochement between the United States and Russia has left European states in a state of confusion and disarray, particularly those that had severed ties with Russia at the urging of the US. In their fervent support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, European nations, especially Germany, have found themselves in a precarious position.

Germany, which had long depended on Russian oil and natural gas to fuel its industrial manufacturing, was hit the hardest. This reliance had made Germany the economic powerhouse of Europe. Now, with its ties to Russia fraying, the country faces significant challenges to its energy security and economic stability.

The shifting dynamics have forced Europe to reconsider its role and its dependence on both Russia and the United States. With an expenditure of one hundred billion euros and a deteriorating relationship with Russia, European states find themselves mired in a quagmire of despair, with no clear end in sight. Even President Zelensky of Ukraine appears to be crying out in the wilderness, left to fend for himself and his country.

Before the Munich conference, President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, resulting in peace negotiations regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine that excluded Ukraine and Europe from the discussions, regarded as arrogance on the part of American president. This prompted European foreign ministers to advocate for the EU’s mandatory involvement in the negotiations.

Vance’s speech took place at the Munich Security Conference, an annual forum for international security policy held in Munich, Germany. Vance, a former US senator, delivered his address amid rising tensions between the US and Europe during the second Trump administration, alongside the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and political crises in Romania and Germany.

Vance’s speech focused on what he described as internal threats to European democracy, particularly mass immigration, a highly contentious issue. He highlighted the growing number of foreign-born residents in Germany and the increased immigration from non-EU countries, which he attributed to decisions made by European leaders. He linked these concerns to a recent vehicle-ramming attack in Munich by an Afghan immigrant and called for a more responsive approach to public concerns about migration.

Vance argued that European democratic institutions and freedom of speech were being undermined. He specifically criticised the cancellation of the first round of the 2024 Romanian presidential election, which was won by independent nationalist candidate C lin Georgescu, after reports of Russian influence campaigns. Vance condemned the annulment of the elections, comparing it to Soviet-era practices and questioning the resilience of democracies susceptible to external influence.

Vance accused European leaders of using terms like “misinformation” and “disinformation” to suppress alternative viewpoints. He criticised the UK’s free speech laws, specifically the jailing of Adam Smith Connor for violating a “safe access zone” near an abortion clinic. He also condemned Sweden’s conviction of a Christian activist for burning a copy of Holy Quran and police crackdowns on anti-feminist comments in Germany. Vance emphasised the importance of upholding free opinions, even when they challenge established positions and criticised the Munich Security Conference for excluding certain populist leaders.

On US domestic politics, Vance criticised former president, Joe Biden, for allegedly collaborating with social media companies to censor dissent, particularly regarding the Covid-19 lab leak theory. He said that the Trump administration would take a different approach and defend free speech.

The speech also addressed defence spending and security cooperation between the US and the EU. While affirming the Trump administration’s commitment to European security, Vance stressed the need for greater European defence contributions. He also criticised the European narrative framing the West’s position on Russia and Ukraine as a defence of democracy, pointing to alleged infringements on democratic principles within Europe itself.

That speech incurred varied responses; some mute and some acerbic. CNN reported that most of those in attendance at the Munich Security Conference sat “stony-faced” during Vice President Vance’s speech, offering only sparse, polite applause. His brief mention of the Russia-Ukraine conflict left many disappointed, as they had expected more details on the second Trump administration’s approach to peace negotiations.

Many US and European diplomats expressed dismay at Vance’s speech, which left the room in stunned silence. A former Democratic House member accused Vance of victim-blaming Europe for its response to Russian election interference, while insinuating that Vance himself was meddling in European elections.

Republican Senator John Cornyn voiced hope that the speech would make Europeans recognise that “their free ride on the coattails of America” was over. Another US diplomat called it a “wake-up call,” signaling a shift in US policy after decades of predictability. Could this imply that America is signalling a withdrawal from its imperialist role? If so, it could be good news for countries like Pakistan.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius found Vance’s comparison of parts of Europe to authoritarian regimes “unacceptable.” EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas felt that the US was “trying to pick a fight.” Carl Bildt, the former Swedish prime minister, criticised the speech as worse than expected. He also accused Vance of “blatant interference” in Germany’s election, supporting the far-right and Islamophobic Alternative for Germany.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre disagreed with Vance’s assertion that the “erosion of freedom of speech” in Europe was a more pressing concern than security issues surrounding Ukraine, Russia and China. Le Monde labeled Vance’s speech a declaration of “ideological war” against Europe. Politico described it as a “wrecking ball” to the summit, bringing a culture war to the continent. Fact-checkers at The Guardian highlighted inaccuracies and misrepresentations in the speech.

In response to Vice President Vance’s remarks about Scotland’s Safe Access Zones Act, which was passed in September 2024, a spokesperson for the Scottish government firmly rejected his claims. The spokesperson clarified that no letters had been sent out banning people from praying in their homes, as Vance had suggested. The Safe Access Zones Act, they explained, only addressed “intentional or reckless behaviour” in the vicinity of sensitive locations like clinics and healthcare facilities. Gillian Mackay, a member of the Scottish Parliament who had been instrumental in drafting the law, described Vance’s statements as “nonsense.” She suggested that Vance was either “seriously misinformed” or “deliberately misrepresenting” the facts in an attempt to stir up confusion and controversy.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly defended his position against the far-right, asserting that Germany would not tolerate any attempts to “intervene in our democracy.” His remarks were made one day after Vance had scolded European leaders for their handling of democratic principles.

Scholz’s comments carried significant weight, coming just eight days before critical elections in Germany. With polls showing the far-right Alternative for Germany party in second place, the upcoming election was viewed as a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape. Scholz’s defence of democratic values was a clear message that Germany, despite the rising influence of far-right politics, would not compromise on its commitment to democratic integrity.

The writer is a professor in the Faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.