Vance: In Britain and Europe, freedom of speech is "in retreat"
At the Munich Security Conference, US Vice President JD Vance continues to suggest that there has been an erosion of "fundamental values" in Europe.
He says it is not clear what happened to the "winners of the Cold War", citing Brussels as an example, which has "shut down social media during civil unrest", reports the BBC.
"In Britain and across Europe, freedom of speech, I fear, is being eroded," he says at the conference.
Vance then says he came to the conference with an offer. "There's a new sheriff in town," he says, referring to US President Donald Trump.
The US may disagree with Germany's views, he continues, but "we will fight for your rights to express them."
Vance confirmed that topics such as defense budgets are expected to be discussed at the conference in the coming days, and tells attendees that the US believes European countries should play a "greater role" in the continent's future.
Then, he says it is becoming increasingly unclear what Europe is defending itself against.
“What is the positive vision that this security pact evokes?” Vance asks.
"I deeply believe that there is no security if you are afraid of the voices and opinions that guide your people," he added.
