During the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, US Vice President J.D. Vance was booed by the audience, an act which EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas has described as a display of 'European pride'. Kallas attributed the audience's reaction to Vance's repeated derogatory remarks about Europe and its nations, which have sparked resentment among European citizens. She emphasized that this event reflected not only a reaction to Vance's specific comments but also a broader sentiment connected to the perception of American attitudes towards Europe.

Kallas added that the response from the audience was indicative of European citizens' feelings towards Vance as well as the current American administration's stance on European affairs. She highlighted that Europeans feel proud of their identity, which was evident in their vocal opposition at the event. The incident was seen as symbolic of the strained relations between the EU and the US, particularly regarding mutual respect and understanding in political discourse.

This event stands out in the context of international relations, especially as it occurred during a major global sporting occasion. The booing of a US official reflects larger issues at play, including the impact of political rhetoric on diplomatic relationships and how public sentiment can resonate in international events. It raises questions about how leadership addresses criticisms and the resilience of diplomatic ties amid disagreements.