The speech by U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference became the most talked-about event on the first day of the gathering, as reported by Tengrinews.kz, citing DW, "European Truth," and Euronews.
"It left an impression not just of a cold shower, but of an icy one for Europeans. For the first time in many years, Europe and America exchanged not compliments, which were present but not always convincing, but reproaches in Munich. Vance's speech may go down in history at the conference," the article states.
The publication notes that the U.S. Vice President unusually harshly criticized Europe for what he perceives as restrictions on democracy and freedom of speech.
JD Vance started by stating that, in the view of the U.S., there are currently no grounds for discussing a common vision of democracy on both sides of the Atlantic.
"For years, we have been told that we are helping you for the sake of shared values," he reminded, before arguing that European values are no longer relevant to the new U.S. administration, as he believes Europe's measures against propaganda restrict freedom of speech.
As an example to support this thesis, he cited the cancellation of the presidential elections in Romania due to Russian interference.
"You might think it's about Russian interference via social media... But if your democracy can be undermined by a few thousand dollars in social media advertising, then perhaps that democracy wasn't very strong?" he stated.
Vance noted that for these reasons, he does not see room for cooperation in the security domain either.
"There cannot be security if you are fighting against the thoughts and beliefs of your people," the U.S. Vice President declared. "If you are afraid of voices in your country, then America cannot help you, and you will not offer anything to America."
JD Vance reiterated Trump's call for NATO members to increase their defense spending during his time in Munich.
"The threat that concerns me most regarding Europe is not Russia, not China, not any other external player," he explained. "What worries me is the threat from within - Europe's retreat from some of its cornerstone values that are shared with the United States."
EU leaders expressed concern over signals from the U.S. about its unwillingness to actively participate in the European security structure and act as a guarantor of peace. Additionally, European politicians criticized the U.S. for imposing tariffs and attempting to negotiate with Moscow over Ukraine without their involvement.
Germany was shocked by Vance's remarks in an interview with the Wall Street Journal about the need to cooperate with all parties, including the far-right "Alternative for Germany" (AfD) - a party that is partially recognized as far-right extremist and advocates for lifting sanctions against Russia.
Vance did not mention the AfD directly in his speech, only hinting at it, but then met in Munich with its leader and chancellor candidate Alice Weidel. AfD politicians, who are polling second ahead of the Bundestag elections, were not invited to the Munich Conference.
