Vance warns European leaders about internal threats outweighing external ones
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance remarked that internal censorship in Europe poses a larger threat than external nations. He called for a reevaluation of democratic principles within the continent amid examples of compromised free expression.
In a recent address to European leaders at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance expressed concern that the continent's recent censorship activities represent a greater threat to its existence than external actors like Russia or China. He emphasized the importance of upholding the fundamental values that Europe and the United States share.
"What I worry about is the threat from within the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values," Vance stated, criticizing former European Commissioner Thierry Breton for his comments regarding the German AfD party’s potential electoral success.
Vance highlighted how democratic values have been compromised, pointing to instances where European courts have annulled election results under suspicious circumstances, such as in Romania, where allegations of a Russian influence campaign emerged.
He urged European leaders to reconsider their standards when they see actions that could undermine democracy, including the barring of certain parties from participating in discussions at the conference due to alleged disrespect for democratic principles.
Vance drew attention to historical lessons from the Cold War, warning that Europe seems to have forgotten the importance of defending these democratic values against suppression and censorship.
The Vice President's remarks also encompassed issues pertaining to free expression, citing examples from the United Kingdom and Sweden where laws have curbed individual rights in ways that Vance argues are alarming. He underscored the need for European leaders to reflect on the essence of what they are defending in their security policies.
