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The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), held from February 14–16, 2025, was expected to focus on strategies to end the ongoing war in Ukraine and discuss increasing Europe’s defense spending. However, U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s controversial speech, which criticized European allies, dominated the event.

As many as 50 heads of state and government leaders, along with 150 ministers, gathered in Munich for the 61st Munich Security Conference, turning the city into a global hub for international diplomacy.

On February 14, 2025, Vice President JD Vance took the stage at the MSC, delivering a speech that departed significantly from the conference’s expected agenda. Instead of addressing the war in Ukraine or defense spending, Vance launched into a critique of European leadership, focusing on issues of free speech, migration, and what he perceived as a retreat from democratic values.

Doubts on European democracy and migration policy

In his first major speech as vice president, JD Vance criticized European politicians, accusing them of suppressing free speech, mishandling immigration, and refusing to cooperate with far-right parties in government. “The threat that I worry most about vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia, not China, it’s not any other external actor. What I worry about is the threat from within, the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values,” Vance told the audience in Munich.

.@VP in Munich: "The threat that I worry the most about vis-a-vis Europe … is the threat from within — the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States." pic.twitter.com/cwGgWDzWkg

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 14, 2025

Vance accused European governments of undermining democratic institutions and suppressing free speech. He highlighted incidents such as the annulment of Romania’s 2024 presidential election, where independent nationalist candidate Calin Georgescu’s first-round victory was invalidated due to alleged foreign interference.

Vance argued that such actions resembled “Soviet-era practices,” stating, “If your democracy can be destroyed with a few hundred thousand dollars of digital advertising from a foreign country, then it wasn’t very strong to begin with.”

Vance also addressed Europe’s migration policies, suggesting that mass immigration posed a significant threat to European societies. He connected recent security incidents, such as a vehicle-ramming attack in Munich by an Afghan immigrant, to what he described as “conscious decisions” by European leaders to increase immigration from non-EU countries.

He criticized European leaders for allegedly suppressing free speech using terms like “misinformation” and “disinformation.” He cited examples from the UK, Sweden, and Germany, where individuals faced legal consequences for actions or speech that contradicted prevailing governmental or societal norms. He argued that such measures stifled alternative viewpoints and democratic discourse.

Reaction of European leaders

The speech was met with immediate and strong reactions from European leaders and delegates present at the conference. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended Europe’s commitment to democratic values and rejected Vance’s assertions.

Scholz emphasized the importance of maintaining a firm stance against far-right extremism, stating that collaboration with parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was not an option. The anti-immigration AfD is monitored by German security services on suspicion of being a right-wing extremist. It is currently polling at around 20% ahead of the February 23 general election.

Scholz remarked, “We will not allow the democratic foundations of our society to be undermined by populist rhetoric.” Since democracy was reestablished in Germany following the Nazis’ defeat, the nation’s major political parties have largely agreed not to collaborate with far-right groups.

Vance criticized the enforcement of buffer zone laws, arguing that free speech was being suppressed and claiming that the Scottish government. The Scottish government responded to Vance’s assertion, calling it “incorrect” and clarifying that the law was “carefully drafted to apply only to deliberate or reckless conduct near a limited number of premises offering abortion services.”

Future of NATO

Vance’s speech also raised questions about the future of NATO and collective security agreements. With the U.S. signaling a potential reevaluation of its role in European defense, European nations may need to reassess their security strategies and consider greater autonomy in defense matters.

A strong NATO and a strong America go hand in hand. Thanks to 🇺🇸 @VP JD Vance for the discussion this morning on Europe stepping up on defence spending, working closely to boost defence production, and doing all we can to ensure a lasting peace in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/0ENIS6Fq1C

— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) February 14, 2025

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Vance was “absolutely right” about the need for Europe to “step up” and do more for its security. “We have to grow up in that sense and spend much more,” Rutte said.

At the conference, several European leaders echoed his comments, saying Europe would step up its defense spending but also needed to discuss with Washington a gradual phasing-out of its support.

Zelenskyy calls for ‘armed forces of Europe’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the platform to call for the creation of a unified European military force to protect Ukraine. “The time has come. The armed forces of Europe must be created,” he stated. Although it’s uncertain if European leaders will support the idea, Zelenskyy has long sought increased military and economic aid from the EU, warning of Russia’s expansionist threats.

While talking about the ongoing conflict with Russia, Zelenskyy stressed the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security. He stated, “Three years of full-scale war have proven that we already have the foundation for a united European military force.”

Zelenskyy also stressed that no decisions should be made about Ukraine or Europe without their involvement. “No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine, no decisions about Europe without Europe,” he asserted, urging that Europe must have a seat at the table.

At #MSC2025 — 🇺🇦 President @ZelenskyyUa called for the creation of a European army. pic.twitter.com/twe6bjBYVn

— Munich Security Conference (@MunSecConf) February 15, 2025

He expressed concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin before meeting him, calling it “dangerous.” His comments came after Trump stunned allies after a recent phone call with Putin and hinted at upcoming truce talks with Russia, raising fears that Ukraine and Europe could be sidelined in the process.

Vance, who met with Zelenskyy in Munich, said that Trump could employ various economic and military measures as leverage against Putin. While Vance and Zelenskyy did not disclose details of their discussions, the Ukrainian president reaffirmed that his country requires “real security guarantees.” Zelenskyy stated that he would only engage in talks with Putin after Ukraine had reached a common plan with Trump and European leaders.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cautioned against any effort to force a peace agreement on Ukraine. “A sham peace, over the heads of Ukrainians and Europeans, would gain nothing,” she said. “A sham peace would not bring lasting security, neither for the people in Ukraine nor for us in Europe or the United States.”

Nearly three years after launching its full-scale invasion, Russia now controls about 20% of Ukraine, justifying its actions by claiming that Kyiv’s NATO ambitions posed an existential threat. Ukraine and its Western allies, however, denounce the invasion as an imperialist land grab.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi attends Munich Security Summit

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored China’s commitment to engaging in global security dialogues at the Munich Security Conference 2025.

In a session titled “China in the World,” Wang Yi articulated China’s perspectives on major international issues, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to multilateralism and global governance. He highlighted China’s role as a stabilizing force, stating that the country has been actively involved in enhancing global governance and contributing to international peacekeeping efforts.

Wang Yi also reiterated China’s stance on the Ukraine crisis, advocating for dialogue and political solutions. China calls for all stakeholders in the Ukraine war to be involved in peace talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Munich. “We hope that all parties and stakeholders directly involved participate in the peace talks in due course.”

Wang Yi expressed China’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Germany and the European Union, emphasizing free trade and multilateralism. In his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, he expressed China’s willingness to deepen “all-round cooperation” for global peace and stability, highlighting Germany’s role as a key partner in these efforts.