Munich – At the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized European leaders for suppressing free speech and failing to control immigration, sparking a sharp rebuke from German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Vance’s remarks, which largely ignored the war in Ukraine, highlighted growing rifts between the U.S. under Donald Trump’s administration and European allies.
Vance argued that Europe’s biggest threats were not Russia or China but rather a decline in fundamental democratic values and unchecked immigration. His comments were met with silence and minimal applause from attendees. Pistorius responded by calling Vance’s statements “unacceptable” and an attack on European democracy.
Vance also met with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a move likely to be seen as interference ahead of Germany’s upcoming elections. The AfD, known for its anti-immigration stance, is under surveillance for alleged extremist ties.
Meanwhile, discussions on Ukraine continued, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stating that peace talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin would only happen if Ukraine, the U.S., and European allies agreed on a common plan. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned against any peace deal imposed without Ukraine’s consent.
Vance reiterated Trump’s stance that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security, a sentiment echoed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and some European leaders, who acknowledged the need for increased defence spending.
The conference ultimately underscored tensions between Trump’s administration and Europe, particularly on security, democracy, and geopolitical priorities.