We believe that an important part of being in a common alliance together is that Europeans step forward while America focuses on areas of the world that are in great danger, says Vance.
In the same speech, he urges European politicians to combat illegal immigration in Europe. Voters have not voted to open "gates for millions of uncontrolled immigrants", he says.
The Vice President also expresses concern about what he describes as the retreat of freedom of speech in Europe.
Even USA's President Donald Trump chimes in, and says after the speech to reporters in Washington that Europe is losing freedom of speech.
"Trying to start a fight"
According to the EU's Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas, Vance's speech sounded like the USA wanted to start a fight with Europe, reports Reuters.
And we do not want to start a fight with our friends, she says, adding that allies should focus on greater threats.
Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticizes the speech.
If I have understood him correctly, he compares conditions in parts of Europe with conditions in authoritarian regions... it is not acceptable, says Pistorius.
Meets far-right leader
Earlier on Friday, Germany warned against foreign interference in the country's politics, after Vance criticized German parties' reluctance to cooperate with the far-right.
The government's spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit stated during a press conference that outsiders should not "interfere in a friendly country's internal affairs" and that they "may not have a complete overview of the political debate" in Germany.
Later on Friday, Vance met one of the leaders of the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AFD), Alice Weidel, outside the security conference since no AFD representative was invited, according to German media.
Earlier, Elon Musk, Trump's so-called efficiency chief, expressed support for the party ahead of the German election on February 23.
Correction: In an earlier version of the text, JD Vance was given the wrong title.
