Merz at a conference in Bavaria: Europe needs its own nuclear umbrella

On February 13, the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC), considered the most important forum for discussing security and defense policy, began in the capital of Germany's largest federal state. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the forum and gave a speech shortly after noon.

The German Chancellor announced that he is negotiating with French President Emmanuel Macron on the creation of a joint European nuclear deterrent, as he called on Europe to renew its relationship with its ally, the US, which is gradually withdrawing from Europe.

Merz declared that the world has entered a new phase of open conflict that is fundamentally changing the global order. In his speech, he pointed out that the rules-based international order no longer functions as it did in the past and that superpowers are increasingly pursuing their own interests at the expense of common agreements.

The German chancellor warned that China is reshaping the international order to suit its strategic goals. He also noted that the United States' claim to global leadership is now being questioned and may even be weakened by Washington's own decisions.

A zero-sum game

He warned that raw materials, technologies, and supply chains have become part of a dangerous zero-sum game between superpowers. "The first duty of Europe and Germany is to recognize this new reality," he stressed. He added that Europe can protect its interests and values if it trusts its own strengths.

The chancellor acknowledged that the freedom of Europeans is under threat. "We must be prepared for change and sacrifice," he said. At the same time, he rejected calls for Europe to write off the United States as a partner.

He identified strengthening Europe within NATO as a top priority. "We are investing heavily in credible deterrence," he said, adding that Germany also plans to strengthen its intelligence services. According to him, Europe must have its own security strategy.

"We are stronger together. Even the United States is not strong enough to go it alone," he emphasized.

A self-sufficient European pillar of the Alliance

In conclusion, he called for the renewal and strengthening of transatlantic trust. "We are not writing off NATO. We are building a strong, self-sufficient European pillar of the Alliance," the German chancellor concluded.

Discussions among heads of state, government, and other high-ranking officials and experts at the Bayerischer Hof hotel are dominated by the current breakdown of diplomatic norms and decades-long alliances, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the US threat to Iran.

The MSC expert report published on February 9 stated that the world has entered a dangerous era of "demolition politics" that prioritizes the breakdown of institutions over gradual reforms.

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The report places much of the blame for this situation on US President Donald Trump, who, according to the report, "is taking an axe to existing rules" and pursuing a "bulldozer policy."

At the same time, however, it describes him as merely the most prominent manifestation of a broader phenomenon that is emerging in several countries.

According to the DPA agency, the focus of attention is also shifting to the deepening rift in transatlantic relations between the United States and Europe, which are linked by a network of political, military, and economic partnerships.

The spirit of JD Vance

Let us recall that last year in Munich, US Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Europe and accused its leaders of suppressing freedom of expression. A year ago, the American vice president questioned the fundamental political stance of the existing European elite.

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Vance also warned against mass migration and called on those present to stop fearing voters and start respecting them. "If you run away from your own voters in fear, America can't do anything for you. Likewise, there is nothing you can do for the American people who elected me and elected President Trump," he added to a surprised audience in Munich.

It should be noted that a few weeks before this year's security conference, Donald Trump threatened to seize Greenland, which, as a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, is affiliated with the US-led North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The event will last until Sunday and is expected to be attended by more than 60 presidents and prime ministers, as well as 100 foreign and defense ministers.

The US will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who may use more diplomatic language in his speech, but is expected to follow the new US security strategy in its basic framework.