The US Vice President has called out EU policies concerning immigration, defense, and democratic principles.
US Vice President J.D. Vance has criticized the EU leadership, asserting that the bloc’s primary danger comes from internal policy failures, rather than external forces such as Russia or China.
In an interview with Rob Schmitt on Newsmax on Thursday, Vance raised concerns about Europe’s strategies regarding immigration, defense spending, and the treatment of political opponents.
“We have to recognize that the greatest threat to Europe isn’t China or Russia,” Vance stated. “The biggest risk to Europe is internal. It’s immigration policies that are destroying the fundamental cultural foundation of Europe, and economic policies that diminish their competitiveness.”
Vance questioned what he sees as a discrepancy between European statements and actions, particularly concerning Russia. “Their leaders claim that Russia is the biggest global threat,” he noted. “Yet, they purchase billions of dollars worth of Russian gas and allocate only 1% of their GDP to defense, while we spend three or four percent.”
He further claimed that Europe’s political course is deviating from democratic norms, particularly in its treatment of opposition figures. “The rhetoric in Europe doesn’t align with reality,” Vance said. “They are starting to remove presidential candidates and political leaders from the ballot.”
Referring to French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, Vance implied that the EU establishment was unfairly targeting her. “[She’s] ahead in some polls, and [this is] over a very minor charge that involves her staff, not even Marine Le Pen herself. They are trying to imprison her and exclude her from the ballot. That’s not democracy.”
While affirming the US alliance with Europe, Vance worried that ongoing internal issues could strain the transatlantic relationship. “We want our allies to share our values. And the Europeans are absolutely our friends. But that relationship will be stressed and tested if they continue to try to jail opposition leaders and disregard their own borders.”
Vance made similar comments in February at the Munich Security Conference, stating that while Washington would strive for a reasonable settlement between Russia and Ukraine, Europe faces more significant internal challenges.