Translated by Irene Cecchi
On February 14th to 16th 2025, Munich hosts the 61st edition of the Security Conference, a prominent meeting that gathers world leaders to discuss the main geopolitical challenges. The first day’s agenda addressed the role of the European Union in the international framework, with declarations that light the confrontation between Brussels and Washington
The European Union’s role: Ursula von der Leyen words
In the opening speech, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s effort to protect its values and strengthen its role as a global actor. Von der Leyen also underlined the will to cooperate with the allies but without forgetting the importance of an autonomous Europe, solid with its own strategic decisions.
JD Vance attacks: EU accused of betraying its own principles
The American Vice President, JD Vance, answered by tone criticizing the EU for the loss of democratic and communitarian values. In his opinion, the biggest threat for Europe is not coming from the outside (see Russia and China) but from the inside, with governments that repress free speech and manipulate democratic processes.
The vice president brought as example the annulment of the elections in Romania and accused European Leaders of fearing their electors, fostering disinformation instead of accepting democratic results. Vance also attacked European policies regarding the media, comparing the current restrictions to the disinformation of the soviet era.
Migration and security: the attack in Munich
Another hot topic raised by Vance was illegal migration that he linked to the attack that happened in Munich the day before, when a young man ran over the crowd with his car. According to the American vice president, events like this prove the need for a more decisive action by the EU to stem the migration flow and guarantee security.
The AfD case and the tensions with Germany
Another controversial issue was Vance's reference to the European decision to exclude some political parties because of their extremist stance, see Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). The vice president expressed his support for the far-right representatives, encouraging German leaders to cooperate with all parties, including AfD. Rumours have it that, after the conference, Vance met with Alice Weidel, leader of the party, at a hotel in Munich.
Olaf Scholz response
Vance’s declaration raised a strong response of the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, few days before the federal elections due on February 23rd, who reiterated that no third country should intervene in Germany’s election process and excluded any chance to cooperate with AfD.
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