US vice president: The threat to Europe comes from within, not from Russia or China

The crisis that Europe is facing is a consequence of its own actions, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated at the Munich Security Conference.

Vance noted that the U.S. is rather concerned about Europe retreating from some of its core values. According to him, the problem in the EU is that authorities must reaffirm their democratic mandate—they should not undermine their opponents, imprison them, or exert pressure on the media.

“In the case of Europe, the biggest threat is neither Russia nor China, nor any other external actor. What worries me most is the threat coming from within Europe—the retreat from fundamental values shared by the United States and Europe,” Vance noted.

The U.S. vice president blamed European politicians for the migration crisis in Europe, arguing that they have consciously made decisions over the past years that led to the current situation. He added that this crisis did not emerge in a vacuum.

Discussing European challenges, Vance referenced the cancellation of elections in Romania and warned that similar risks exist in Germany.

“Romania’s elections were canceled due to ‘shaky suspicions,'” the U.S. vice president stated.