U.S. Vice President JD Vance made bold remarks at the Munich Security Conference, claiming that Europe is not threatened by Russia or China but by its own policies and decisions. His speech strongly criticized European nations blaming their approach to immigration and free speech for creating internal instability.

Vance’s comments sparked outrage among European leaders who attended the security summit alongside prime ministers foreign ministers and Western allies. Discussion largely focused on the Russia-Ukraine war. But US Vice President turned attention to what he believes are Europe’s self-inflicted vulnerabilities.

“Europe is moving away from its core values,” said Vance. “Voter concerns about immigration and freedom of speech are growing. The biggest threats to Europe do not come from China or Russia but from within.”

Following his speech, European leaders pushed back, arguing that the comparison between democratic Europe and regions with weaker democratic institutions was unfair. They accused Vance of undermining the continent’s political stability and questioning the strength of European democracy.

This not the first time US has blamed Europe for its challenges. In the past President Donald Trump repeatedly criticized European nations for failing to end the Russia-Ukraine war, further straining transatlantic relations.

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As Europe faces economic pressures, migration crises and security concerns, Vance’s remarks have added another layer of tension between US and its European allies.