U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance warns of a democratic crisis in Europe, criticizing censorship, election practices, and migration policies during the Munich Security Conference.
Democracy at Risk from Within
During the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a powerful speech, warning that Europe’s greatest threat isn’t external powers like Russia or China but an internal shift away from fundamental values. Vance criticized European democracies for suppressing free speech, ignoring voter concerns, and persecuting Christians. He highlighted the cancellation of Romanian elections and the growing trend of labeling dissent as disinformation. “The fear of foreign interference,” Vance stated, “reveals a fragile democracy unwilling to trust its people.”
Migration and the Struggle for Identity
Vance also addressed Europe’s immigration policies, connecting recent security incidents with uncontrolled migration. He criticized politicians for disregarding public opposition, warning that dismissing voter concerns endangers democratic stability. The vice president drew parallels between the EU’s content moderation tactics and Soviet-era censorship, noting the use of terms like “disinformation” to silence alternative viewpoints. Quoting Pope John Paul II, Vance urged Europe to rediscover its democratic roots and face these challenges without fear: “Do not be afraid.”