US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued strong criticism of the way European countries are managing migration flows, warning that some countries are facing a situation he described as an “invasion.” The statements were made during commemorative ceremonies in Normandy, on the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the 1944 military operation that paved the way for the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

In his speech, Hegseth made a comparison between Europe's historical challenges and the current migration situation, arguing that the shores of several European countries are facing constant pressure from migrant arrivals.

"Unfortunately, today other European coasts are facing different threats. The coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece and Bulgaria. Boats with migrants continue to arrive. The question is: when will European capitals react?" he said.

These comments are part of a series of critical stances by US President Donald Trump's administration towards immigration policies in Europe.

Just a day earlier, US Vice President JD Vance linked the killing of 18-year-old British man Henry Nowak to what he called "mass immigration", calling for a tougher response to the phenomenon.

The statements by two senior American officials are expected to provoke reactions in European capitals, at a time when the issue of migration remains one of the most controversial topics in the European Union.