Overview

• J.D. Vance questioned the democratic integrity of European nations, citing examples of election annulments, speech restrictions, and judicial actions in countries like Romania and Germany.
• Vance's meeting with AfD leader Alice Weidel and his criticism of Germany's political 'firewall' against far-right parties drew sharp rebukes from German leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
• European leaders, including Scholz and Friedrich Merz, condemned Vance's perceived interference in Germany's upcoming elections and reaffirmed their commitment to democratic principles.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj urged Europe to build stronger defense capabilities and warned of Russia's continued aggression, emphasizing the need for Ukraine's inclusion in any peace talks.
• The conference highlighted growing divisions between the U.S. under Donald Trump's administration and European allies, with debates on NATO's future, transatlantic unity, and the handling of the Ukraine crisis.