Competing Views on Europe’s Role
The Munich Security Conference brought together top American, European, and Ukrainian leaders to debate the future of the West, exposing sharply different visions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Europe to join the United States in protecting the continent’s shared civilization, warning that the West faces decline if it ignores failing policies on climate and migration. Rubio described Washington as a “child of Europe,” stressing that its destiny remains intertwined with the continent.
In contrast, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas rejected the idea that Europe needs rescuing, calling claims of a “woke, decadent Europe” overstated. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Rubio’s speech reassured her about U.S.-Europe ties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pushed for a concrete date for Ukraine’s EU accession, suggesting 2027 as a goal.
Security Challenges and Peace Talks
Zelenskyy criticized Europe’s limited role in U.S.-brokered peace talks with Russia, calling it a “big mistake.” He emphasized that European countries, now the largest donors of military and financial aid to Ukraine, should have a stronger voice in negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron has attempted to reengage Moscow diplomatically, but Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda argued that progress is limited because Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unwilling to negotiate seriously. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that the post-WWII rules-based order is effectively over, calling on Europe to defend its freedom with determination in this new era of unpredictable big-power politics.
Nuclear Threats, Greenland, and EU Defence
Security discussions also focused on nuclear deterrence and territorial disputes. Macron said France is coordinating with Germany on a European nuclear doctrine, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cautioned against nuclear rearmament as risky and costly. U.S. tensions over Greenland remain unresolved; Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called any compromise on territorial integrity a “red line,” while Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized the island’s commitment to alliance cooperation.
Von der Leyen stressed the need to strengthen Europe’s mutual defence clause, Article 42(7), which obligates EU nations to assist members under attack. She called for faster decision-making, stronger capabilities, and closer partnerships, including with the U.K., to ensure the EU can respond effectively to emerging threats.
