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The recent speech by U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference has profoundly shaken European politics, questioning some of the ideological and political cornerstones of the Old Continent. Vance’s words struck at the heart of a Europe that, in recent years, has shown signs of wavering on fundamental values, giving way to policies dictated by political correctness and exacerbated multiculturalism.
His key statement, that the primary threat to Europe does not come from Russia or China but from Europe’s progressive abandonment of its traditional values shared with the United States, serves as a clear and strong warning. It confirms that the new U.S. administration will no longer be lenient toward a Europe that has embraced an increasingly progressive ideology, distancing itself from its roots.
Freedom of Expression and Political Correctness: Vance’s Warning
One of the most critical points raised by Vance was his attack on the authoritarian and censorial drift of many European institutions. According to the U.S. Vice President, political correctness has suffocated freedom of expression and the right of European citizens to freely voice their opinions, as evidenced by recent attempts to silence dissent in both politics and the media.
His reference to Pope John Paul II’s famous words, “Do not be afraid,” is particularly significant: Vance’s message is clear—democracy cannot be strong and vital if the people are constantly intimidated and deprived of their right to express opinions that contradict the dominant narrative. Cancel culture, censorship of alternative media, and increasingly strict restrictions on freedom of speech are a cancer threatening to destroy Europe’s democratic fabric.
In many EU countries, conservative parties and movements are branded as “extremist” simply for expressing opinions that run counter to the mainstream. This strategy, aimed at discrediting and delegitimizing any dissenting voice, is the perfect example of contemporary Europe’s illiberal drift.
The Case of the Romanian Elections and the Defense of Democracy
A glaring example of this trend is the recent elections in Romania, whose outcome sparked significant controversy and attempts at annulment by the European establishment. Vance emphasized how certain European leaders have shown a dangerous inclination to ignore the popular will when it does not align with their interests.
The first round of elections saw a significant victory for conservative and sovereignist political forces, angering progressive elites. Attempts to delegitimize the vote, baseless accusations of fraud, and pressure from Brussels to repeat the elections were reported by numerous independent observers. Vance labeled this episode “a clear example of liberal hypocrisy,” stressing that democracies must accept the results of the popular vote, even when inconvenient.
“If you run for office fearing your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you,” Vance declared, issuing a stark warning to European leaders who attempt to manipulate elections to maintain their grip on power.
Immigration and Security: Another Challenge for Europe
Vance also tackled a fundamental issue shaking the foundations of European societies: uncontrolled immigration. In an unequivocal tone, he highlighted the failure of European immigration policies, exemplified by the recent attack in Germany carried out by an Afghan asylum seeker. “How many more of these terrible attacks must we endure before we change course?” the U.S. Vice President asked rhetorically, exposing the hypocrisy of governments that continue to promote failed policies at the expense of their own citizens.
The statistics speak for themselves: between 2021 and 2022, the number of non-European immigrants doubled, with a devastating impact on security and social cohesion. For Vance, this was not an accident but the result of deliberate political decisions that ignored the concerns of European citizens.
A Deeper Moral and Cultural Message
Vance’s speech also carries a deeper philosophical and moral message about the need for nations to preserve their cultural and social fabric. He warned that Europe’s current trajectory risks erasing the very essence of what makes each nation unique, contributing to a homogenization of culture that threatens the diversity of thought and tradition. The homogenizing forces of globalism, which push for a world without borders, are eroding the local customs, beliefs, and values that have been the backbone of European civilization for centuries.
Moreover, Vance’s words are a call for a Europe that is strong not just militarily but ideologically and culturally. His speech emphasizes that the true strength of a nation lies in its ability to remain true to its roots while facing the challenges of modernity. In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, Europe must ensure that it is not just a follower of global trends but a leader in preserving and championing the values that have made it a bastion of civilization throughout history. This, according to Vance, is the only way for Europe to thrive in the new world order.
JD Vance: An Unconventional Conservative
JD Vance is not a traditional politician. Raised in a working-class family in Ohio, he is the author of the bestseller “Hillbilly Elegy,” in which he narrates the crisis of America’s middle class. After graduating from Yale, he became a successful entrepreneur but maintained strong ties to conservative and Christian roots.
His political vision diverges from the traditional Republican establishment. Influenced by intellectuals such as Patrick Deneen and Rod Dreher, Vance advocates for a post-liberal conservatism that defends national sovereignty, family values, and cultural identity while opposing rampant globalization and the dominance of progressive elites.
With his direct and unfiltered language, he represents the intellectual face of Trumpism, capable of articulating a coherent worldview that stands in opposition to the prevailing ideology. His impact on both American and European politics is set to grow in the coming years.
Reactions to Vance’s Speech
Vance’s words resonated strongly in Italy, a country whose government, led by Giorgia Meloni and Fratelli d’Italia, is among the closest to President Trump. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto was unsurprised by the U.S. Vice President’s remarks. “Vance has always said these things,” Crosetto explained, noting that Vance does not judge the opinions of his voters but rather follows them. “If my voters give me an indication, I must follow it,” he reiterated, emphasizing that this principle is at the core of his political approach.
Carlo Fidanza, head of Fratelli d’Italia’s delegation in the European Parliament, commented on the U.S. Vice President’s speech:
“There’s no need to beat around the bush—Vance is right, and the emperor has no clothes: if Europe wants to reclaim its role in a world that is changing at an incredible pace, it must first rediscover its identity and acknowledge the will that European peoples increasingly express whenever they vote.”
This statement highlights a crucial point: the growing disconnect between European elites and ordinary citizens. Recent electoral results have shown that European populations desire radical change, a return to traditional values, stricter immigration control, and a reaffirmation of national sovereignty. These are obvious truths to those with a certain worldview and who fight for freedom daily, but less so for those who continually champion causes against their own nations.
Future Repercussions
Vance’s speech is not an isolated incident but a clear signal of a new phase in U.S.-European relations. The Trump 2.0 presidency, with Vance as Vice President, will no longer tolerate a Europe that takes refuge in sterile progressive rhetoric while the world is in turmoil.
If European leaders do not heed America’s warning they risk being swept away by history. European citizens are already expressing their dissent at the ballot box, and the next electoral wave could mark the end of an establishment that is increasingly incapable of addressing the real needs of European nations.
In conclusion, JD Vance’s message is clear: it is time for Europe to choose a side. If it continues down the path of political correctness, uncontrolled immigration, and ideological censorship, it is destined for decline. But if it rediscovers its identity, values, and sovereignty, it can still play a central role in a rapidly changing world.