February 14, 2025, sharply criticizing European leaders for undermining free speech and democratic principles. He contended that internal challenges, such as mass immigration and censorship, pose greater threats to European democracy than external adversaries like Russia or China. Vance highlighted incidents in Germany, Sweden, and the UK as evidence of eroding civil liberties, accusing European authorities of using terms like “misinformation” to suppress dissenting views. His remarks drew strong rebukes from European officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who defended Europe’s commitment to democratic values and rejected Vance’s comparisons to authoritarian regimes. The speech has intensified debates over transatlantic relations and Europe’s internal policies.
