Trump's destabilization of NATO hangs over the Munich Conference

A year after US Vice President JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference, Europe's partners are seeking a more independent course while preserving the foundations of NATO. Vance's speech in 2025 triggered a period of tension when, according to several assessments, the United States questioned the international order it had helped to build.

This year's meeting is taking place against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and conflicts in Gaza and Sudan. "I can't remember a time when we had more wars, crises, and conflicts of this magnitude at the same time," said former diplomat Wolfgang Ischinger, describing the developments as "demolition ball politics."

US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs, threatened military action against Latin American countries, and talked about annexing Greenland, raising concerns about the future of NATO. European countries have responded with a commitment to increase defense spending, but their dependence on the United States continues.

The conference will be opened by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who wants to strengthen transatlantic ties and the role of the EU. The US delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to strike a more conciliatory tone.

The event, which begins on Friday, will be attended by approximately 70 leaders, including Volodymyr Zelensky, Emmanuel Macron, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Russia is not sending a delegation, and Iran did not receive an invitation. Discussions will also touch on the issue of a ceasefire in Ukraine and its security guarantees.

(reuters, max)