Munich, Germany – – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a robust defense of the transatlantic alliance today at the Munich Security Conference, urging the United States to repair strained ties with Europe amid growing concerns over the future of the decades-long partnership. His appeal comes as the continent grapples with a perceived shift in American commitment and the increasingly unpredictable foreign policy of the Trump administration.
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Merz acknowledged a widening “breach” between the United States and Europe, a sentiment echoed by numerous attendees. However, he cautioned against calls for Europe to entirely disengage from its American ally. “I am not convinced when It’s sometimes asked, almost reflexively, that Europe should give up on the United States as an ally,” he stated, emphasizing the strength derived from continued collaboration. “Together we are stronger.”
Merz directly addressed remarks made a year prior by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the same forum. Vance had leveled criticism at European governments, accusing them of suppressing free speech and aligning with far-right, pro-Trump factions. Merz conceded that Vance had accurately identified a growing divide, but firmly rejected the ideological underpinnings of the critique. “Vance was right,” he admitted, “But the cultural war of MAGA is not ours. Freedom of expression, for us, ends when words are used against human dignity and fundamental law.”
Notably, Vance did not attend this year’s conference. The U.S. Delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is considered more aligned with traditional transatlantic views than his predecessor. Rubio, speaking before the conference formally began, acknowledged a changing global landscape. “The old world no longer exists,” he said. “We are living in a new geopolitical era, and it will require all of us to re-examine how things will be and what our role will be.”
Merz’s call for a “re-foundation” of NATO reflects a growing European desire for greater strategic autonomy. He advocated for increased military spending and economic deregulation within Europe, positioning it as a more robust partner for the United States. He cited philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, who observed that “Europe has just returned from a vacation from history,” suggesting a renewed sense of urgency, and responsibility. Merz also revealed ongoing discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding a potential European nuclear deterrent, integrated within the existing NATO framework.
The Chancellor explicitly rejected the notion of complete European independence from the United States, a concept gaining traction in some circles following Vance’s earlier address and former President Trump’s recent threats regarding Greenland, a territory within the NATO alliance. “I understand the discomfort and doubts that lead to these demands, and I share them in part,” Merz said. “But they are demands that have not been thought through with all their consequences. They obscure the harsh geopolitical realities in Europe. And they underestimate the potential that, despite all the difficulties, our alliance with the United States still has.”
Merz’s message mirrors a recent statement from the NATO Secretary General following the Greenland crisis, urging European nations not to assume they can forgo American protection. It also serves as a direct appeal to the United States to reaffirm its commitment to its European partners.
“In the age of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be strong enough to go it alone,” Merz argued, switching to English to directly address the dozens of American congressmen and women present in the audience. “Dear friends, being part of NATO is not only a competitive advantage for Europe. It is also a competitive advantage for the United States. So let’s repair it and revive together the trust.”
The situation underscores a complex dynamic. While European leaders increasingly emphasize the need for greater strategic autonomy, they remain acutely aware of the risks associated with a complete decoupling from the United States. The future of the transatlantic alliance, once considered a cornerstone of global security, now hangs in the balance, dependent on a delicate recalibration of expectations and a renewed commitment to shared values and interests.
The conference continues through the weekend, with further discussions expected on regional security challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and the evolving threat of terrorism. The focus remains firmly fixed on the future of the international order and the role of the transatlantic alliance within it.
