"The Munich Security Conference has been a news-making forum for decades a place where world leaders meet other politicians, as well as journalists and civil society groups, to discuss the biggest issues facing the planet. In recent years, it has been the site of seismic speeches that redefine the shape of global politics. From a public spat between Nato allies over Iraq in 2003, to Vladimir Putin's 2007 address that signalled the start of a new cold war,"
"After European leaders were left stunned by the US vice-president's assault on their values in 2025, many came into this year's conference with a sense of urgency. In the days before the meeting, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, said this must be the moment of awakening. It is time for Europe to wake up. Macron and the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, gave speeches at the conference that sought to map a new, independent path for European powers, while striving to maintain the alliance with Washington."
The Munich Security Conference has hosted influential speeches that shaped global politics. Recent tensions after the US vice-president's 2025 criticism prompted urgency among European leaders. Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz proposed a more independent European strategic posture while preserving the transatlantic alliance, and announced talks on a European nuclear deterrent. Keir Starmer urged closer UK-EU defence cooperation without weakening the UK-US relationship or NATO. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized enduring US–Europe ties and sought a conciliatory tone. Questions remain over whether Europe will accelerate strategic autonomy while maintaining unity with the United States.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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