Janice R. Andrews
US Vice President JD Vance has sparked controversy with his latest remarks on Europe, warning that the continent’s open border policies and censorship could lead to “civilisational suicide.” Speaking on Fox News, Vance expressed deep concerns about the future of Western civilization, accusing European nations of failing to protect their sovereignty and cultural identity.
During an appearance on The Ingraham Angle, Vance criticized Europe’s inability to control its borders and its growing restrictions on free speech. “They are unable or unwilling – too many countries – to control their borders,” he said. “You see them starting to limit the free speech of their own citizens even as those citizens are protesting against things like the border invasion that got [US President] Donald Trump and a number of European leaders elected.”
Vance emphasized the importance of Europe as a key ally but stressed that the continent must take responsibility for its own future. “I want Europe to thrive. I want them to be an important ally. Part of that is going to be Europe respecting its own people, respecting its own sovereignty, and America can’t do that job for them,” he added.
Cultural and Religious Bonds Under Threat
The Vice President also highlighted the shared cultural and religious heritage between the United States and Europe, crediting Christian civilization for the founding of the US. “The cultural bonds, the religious bonds – these things are going to last beyond political disagreements,” Vance said. However, he warned that the influx of immigrants from culturally incompatible regions could undermine these ties, particularly in countries like Germany.
“Where you have another few million immigrants come in from countries that are totally culturally incompatible with Germany, then it doesn’t matter what I think about Europe. Germany will have killed itself, and I hope they don’t do that because I love Germany, and I want Germany to thrive,” Vance stated.
Backlash from European Leaders
Vance’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from European leaders, particularly in the UK. His remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized Europe’s democratic values and free speech protections, sparked an emergency EU summit. Vance claimed that “the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular,” were under threat, a statement that former President Donald Trump praised as “brilliant.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly fired back, defending Britain’s long-standing commitment to free speech. “We’ve had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom, and it will last for a very, very long time,” Starmer said. “Certainly, we wouldn’t want to reach across US citizens, and we don’t, and that’s absolutely right. But in relation to free speech in the UK, I’m very proud of our history there.”
Controversial Comments on UK Military Contributions
Vance further ignited outrage by referring to the UK as a “random country” that “hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years.” His comments were widely condemned by military veterans and politicians across the political spectrum, who pointed to the sacrifices of British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Over 600 British soldiers lost their lives in these conflicts, fighting alongside US forces.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage called Vance’s remarks “wrong, wrong, wrong,” emphasizing the UK’s significant contributions to joint military efforts. “For 20 years in Afghanistan – pro rata our size against America’s – we spent the same amount of money, we put the same number of men and women in, and we suffered the same losses,” Farage said. “We stood by America all through those 20 years, putting in exactly the same contribution.”
Pressure on Ukraine Peace Talks
Vance’s comments came amid discussions about a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. During a Fox News interview, he urged Ukraine to sign a minerals deal with the US, suggesting it would provide better security guarantees than military support from other nations. “A way better security guarantee than 20,000 troops from some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years,” Vance said.
However, his dismissive tone toward allied nations further fueled the backlash. Critics accused Vance of erasing the sacrifices of UK and other allied troops from history, calling his remarks “deeply disrespectful.” Despite attempts to clarify his statements, Vance failed to specify which countries he was referring to, leaving his comments open to widespread interpretation and criticism.
A Divided Response
While Vance’s warnings about Europe’s open borders and cultural challenges have resonated with some conservative audiences, his inflammatory rhetoric has alienated key allies. The Vice President’s remarks underscore the growing tensions between the US and Europe over issues of sovereignty, immigration, and free speech.
As Europe grapples with its own internal challenges, Vance’s comments serve as a stark reminder of the fragile state of transatlantic relations. Whether his warnings will prompt meaningful change in European policies or further strain diplomatic ties remains to be seen. For now, the backlash from European leaders and military veterans highlights the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding these critical issues.
In the face of mounting criticism, Vance’s message to Europe is clear: the continent must take decisive action to protect its cultural identity and sovereignty, or risk losing its place as a cornerstone of Western civilization.
