At the Munich Security Conference on Friday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a speech that sparked controversy among European leaders. Vance criticized Europe’s approach to free speech, migration policies, and governance, arguing that internal challenges within the EU posed a greater threat than external adversaries like Russia or China.

His remarks were met with strong reactions from European officials. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas stated that listening to Vance’s speech felt as though the United States was “trying to pick a fight” with Europe. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius also condemned the comments, calling them provocative and inappropriate.

The speech highlighted growing tensions between the U.S. and its European allies, raising concerns about the future of transatlantic relations under the Trump administration.