Senior European leaders convened for this year’s Munich Security Conference, which was steeped in anticipation following Donald Trump’s tumultuous presidency. As over 60 heads of state and government discussed geopolitical challenges such as Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, the war-torn region topped the agenda.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a “new transatlantic partnership,” emphasizing that Europe must take its security more seriously without completely relying on America. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment by framing Europe as a “sleeping giant” needing to boost its own defense spending in line with Trump’s demands, but also as an integral force within NATO.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to articulate his vision for European security autonomy at the conference’s final day. His office previewed that he would stress Europe’s role beyond just being America’s ally, stressing a need for “greater European autonomy” without undermining transatlantic trust. He also hinted at an underlying message of increased burden-sharing with allies.
On Saturday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was set to speak alongside Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president. His appearance at the conference underscored how Europe and America remain intertwined in their security strategies despite ongoing tensions over immigration and free speech criticism during Trump’s tenure.
Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine remained a focal point for attendees, with European NATO members aiming to bolster defense spending according to American demands amid fears of Moscow expanding its influence. A German government source indicated that Chancellor Merz had met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the conference, discussing Ukraine, negotiations with Russia, and support for Eastern Europe allies.
Simultaneously, other high-level meetings took place offstage, signaling a complex interplay between America, China, and European actors. U.S. Vice President Pence’s engagement in such discussions reflected how much influence he still wielded within the American security apparatus despite his limited public role during this conference.
The Munich Security Conference also served as an opportunity for leaders to reaffirm their commitment to NATO’s future underpinning global stability. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius shared a drone factory visit with Zelenskyy, emphasizing the importance of developing robust defense capabilities within Europe’s own borders rather than relying entirely on transatlantic alliances.
Ultimately, European leaders expressed readiness for constructive dialogue yet maintained skepticism regarding Russia’s willingness to engage seriously in peace talks. As tensions escalated over American rhetoric and geopolitical interests continued to collide, these discussions underscored the complex path toward global security cooperation in an era of great-power rivalries.