On February 14, 2025, US Vice President David Vance delivered a resonant speech at the Munich Security Conference, in which he sharply criticized the policies of the European Union and individual European countries. He drew attention to Europe's retreat from democratic principles and called this one of the main threats to the future of the region.

Vance paid special attention to the cancellation of elections in Romania, emphasizing that such actions undermine democratic principles.

"When European courts overturn election results, we ask the question: 'What standards are these?'" — the vice president said, noting that such actions raise serious questions on the American side.

David Vance also expressed concern about the growing restrictions on freedom of speech in Europe. He noted that he had been to Brussels and heard statements from some commissioners who proposed closing down media outlets under the pretext of combating the spread of radical views and harmful ideas.

"I don't always understand what happened to the winners of the Cold War," "Vance said, adding that such initiatives pose a threat to the fundamental values ​​of freedom.

According to Vance, the main threat to Europe is not external factors such as Russia or China, but internal problems associated with a departure from democratic principles.

"The threat that worries me most about Europe is not Russia, not China. I am worried about the threat from within, the retreat of Europe from some of its most important values," - he stressed.

Vance also criticized the organizers of the Munich conference for banning representatives of far-right and left-wing parties from the event. He noted that while such parties may hold controversial views, they represent a significant part of society and dialogue with them is necessary.

"We must engage in dialogue with them, but we are not obliged to agree," - he declared.

In closing, David Vance called on European leaders not to be afraid of their voters and not to ignore democratic processes.

"If you are afraid of your voters, America will not help you. You need a democratic mandate. An unreliable mandate produces unreliable results." - he stressed.

One of the most unexpected moments of his speech was his statement about his readiness to come to Moscow for negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Vance expressed confidence that the United States would be able to agree with Russia on ending the conflict in Ukraine.

"We will find a way to stop this conflict," - he added.

David Vance's speech provoked a strong reaction among conference participants. Many European politicians perceived his words as a call to reconsider a number of domestic political processes. Meanwhile, American analysts noted that the vice president's speech may indicate the US's readiness to change its strategy towards Europe and the conflict in Ukraine.