Munich, Germany – European leaders have issued a concerted call for a revitalized transatlantic partnership with the United States, as the annual Munich Security Conference convened amidst lingering concerns over the future of Western security architecture. The appeal comes as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year and anxieties grow over potential shifts in U.S. Foreign policy.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in a keynote address , directly urged Washington and Europe to “repair and revive transatlantic trust together.” He argued that a strong relationship between the continents is not merely beneficial for Europe, but also a strategic advantage for the United States. “Being a part of NATO is not only Europe’s competitive advantage. It’s also the United States’ competitive advantage,” Merz stated. “So let’s repair and revive transatlantic trust together. In the era of great-power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone.”
The call for closer ties follows a period of strained relations, marked by rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump that questioned the commitment of European allies to collective defense and challenged the foundations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The shadow of a potential return to such policies loomed large over the conference, with many European leaders seeking assurances of continued U.S. Engagement.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed Merz’s sentiment, advocating for “a strong Europe” capable of shouldering greater responsibility for its own security. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to build on this theme , outlining a vision for “a sleeping giant” Europe that relies less on the United States for its defense, according to his office.
The conference agenda is dominated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with discussions focusing on sustaining military aid and bolstering European defense capabilities. European nations are increasingly focused on meeting NATO defense spending targets, spurred by concerns that Russia may seek to expand its aggression beyond Ukraine’s borders. The situation has prompted a re-evaluation of defense strategies across the continent.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived at the conference , engaged in bilateral meetings with key European counterparts, including Chancellor Merz. A German government source confirmed that Ukraine, negotiations with Russia and further military assistance to Kyiv were central to the discussion. Rubio reportedly “praised Germany’s steps to strengthen the alliance.”
Beyond Ukraine, Rubio also held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, addressing heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. According to China’s state news agency Xinhua, the two officials agreed to strengthen cooperation, with Wang emphasizing the importance of “dialogue over confrontation” and “win-win outcomes.”
The conference also provided a platform for discussions on Arctic security, with Rubio engaging in a 15-minute meeting with the prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland regarding the future sovereignty of the island. Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen described the talks as “constructive,” following recent threats from Trump to annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with Merz and other European leaders, underscored the need for continued international support. He visited a drone factory near Munich with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, highlighting the importance of a robust European defense industry. “It’s good to have strong partnership with Americans… but I think that Europe… needs (an) independent defence industry, very strong,” Zelensky said.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Europe is “stepping up… taking more of a leadership role within NATO” and “taking more care of its own defence.” He asserted that “a strong Europe in a strong NATO means that the transatlantic bond will be stronger than ever.”
The gathering comes a year after U.S. Vice President JD Vance used the same forum to criticize European policies on immigration and free speech, causing considerable friction with allies. Macron directly defended Europe against such criticism, stating, “everyone should take their cue from us, instead of criticising us.”
Looking ahead, European leaders acknowledge the need for a new framework to address a potentially more assertive Russia once the conflict in Ukraine subsides. Merz expressed willingness to engage in dialogue, but noted that “Russia is not yet willing to talk seriously.” The Munich Security Conference has served as a crucial venue for transatlantic dialogue, but the path forward remains uncertain as Europe navigates a complex geopolitical landscape.
