U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a sharp critique of Europe’s governance and free speech policies during his February 14, 2025, speech at the Munich Security Conference.
Vance accused European governments of suppressing dissent and undermining democratic values, highlighting a growing divide between the United States and its European allies on fundamental freedoms.
His remarks come amid mounting evidence of censorship and judicial overreach across the continent. This raises questions about Europe’s commitment to the principles it claims to uphold.
Vance specifically targeted the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a law implemented in 2024 that requires platforms to remove vaguely defined “harmful” content, such as hate speech and misinformation.
While the DSA aims to combat online harm, critics argue it has led to widespread censorship of lawful expression. Reports show that much of the content removed under these regulations in countries like France, Germany, and Sweden was legal but flagged as undesirable by authorities.
Vance described this as a dangerous precedent that stifles free expression. He also criticized national policies, citing Romania’s annulment of its 2024 presidential election over alleged foreign disinformation as an example of judicial overreach undermining public trust in democracy.
U.S. Criticism of Europe’s Free Speech Restrictions
Additionally, he pointed to Germany prosecuting individuals for anti-feminist online comments. He also mentioned the UK criminalizing silent prayer near abortion clinics as evidence of Europe’s retreat from free speech.
Rights groups like Amnesty International have echoed these concerns. They have reported increased restrictions on protests in countries like France and Hungary. Additionally, there has been a decline in media freedom in states such as Hungary and Poland.
These trends suggest a continent struggling to balance combating harmful content with preserving civil liberties. Vance’s speech marked a rare moment where a global power openly challenged Europe’s internal governance.
By spotlighting these issues on an international stage, Vance positioned the U.S. as a champion of free speech, while criticizing what he saw as a disconnect between Europe’s democratic ideals and its actions—a critique that carries significant implications for transatlantic relations and global democratic standards.
