Speaking to European political leaders, military officers and diplomats at the Munich Security Conference, Vance surprised the audience by dismissing the risk of Russian political interference in Europe, taking a similar stance to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has railed against claims by U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia had interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election.
A Reuters reporter in one of the side rooms where more delegates could listen to Vance said people appeared stunned and did not applaud.
The vice president's speech sparked immediate criticism in Europe.
"Vance’s attack on European democracy in Munich, perversely twisting the language of democracy itself should leave no doubt whatsoever that the aim of this administration is to destroy the EU and its liberal democracies," said Nathalie Tocci, director of Istituto Affari Internazionali think tank.
Responding to Vance's speech, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the conference: "If I understood him correctly he is comparing parts of Europe with authoritarian regimes. This is not acceptable."
Vance specifically targeted the December cancellation of Romania's elections, which were annulled by the country's top court after accusations of Russian meddling.