munich security conference

MUNICH – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed Friday that Berlin has initiated confidential discussions with France regarding a potential European nuclear deterrent, while French President Emmanuel Macron asserted that Europe must evolve into a more assertive geopolitical power, acknowledging that the threat posed by Russia will not dissipate.

Merz, speaking at the opening of the Munich Security Conference, called on Washington to “repair and revive trust” amid a period of escalating global power dynamics, emphasizing that the United States cannot effectively navigate the evolving international landscape alone. He explicitly rejected the “culture war” and protectionist policies associated with the MAGA movement, stating that such ideologies are incompatible with European values of human dignity and constitutional principles.

Macron echoed the call for a stronger, more independent Europe, stating, “This is the right time for audacity. This is the right time for a strong Europe.” He emphasized the necessitate for Europe to “reshuffle and reorganise” its security infrastructure, recognizing that the existing framework was designed during the Cold War and is no longer adequate. He added, “No peace without the Europeans. I want to be highly clear: You can negotiate without the Europeans, if you prefer, but it will not bring a peace at the table.”

The statements from Merz and Macron underscore a growing trend among European leaders to forge a more independent path, even as they seek to maintain their alliance with the United States. This shift comes after a year of significant upheaval in transatlantic relations, marked by friction over trade, defense spending, and differing approaches to global challenges.

Merz detailed that the discussions with France centered on nuclear deterrence, clarifying that Germany remains committed to its obligations within NATO’s nuclear sharing framework. He also highlighted the need for Europe to develop conventional deep strike capabilities, currently lacking on the continent but present in Russia.

Macron, who is scheduled to deliver a speech on the nuclear deterrent later this month, framed the consultations with Germany and other European nations as part of a broader effort to enhance Europe’s overall security posture. He asserted that Europe must “learn to turn into a geopolitical power,” a departure from its historical focus on economic integration and soft power.

European nations have been increasing military spending in response to perceived shortcomings in their defense capabilities and criticism from the Trump administration. While Germany is currently prohibited from developing nuclear weapons under international agreements, France, as the sole nuclear power within the European Union following Brexit, possesses the world’s fourth-largest nuclear stockpile.

Merz warned that the existing international order has effectively collapsed, stating, “I fear we must position it even more bluntly: This order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form.” He emphasized the importance of NATO as a crucial asset for both Europe and the United States, stating, “Being a part of NATO is not only Europe’s competitive advantage. It is also the United States’ competitive advantage.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also attending the conference, acknowledged the rapidly changing global landscape and the need for a renewed transatlantic partnership. However, his tone was more conciliatory than that of Vice President JD Vance at last year’s conference, where Vance delivered a sharply critical assessment of European allies. Rubio stated that the U.S. And Europe remain “deeply tied” and that their futures are inextricably linked.

A YouGov poll released Friday revealed that favourability towards the U.S. In Europe has reached its lowest point since tracking began in 2016, broadly comparable to perceptions of threats posed by China, Iran, or North Korea, though still lower than the perceived threat from Russia.

Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty affirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening defense ties with Europe, focusing on procurement and security cooperation, without directly referencing the United States. U.S. Senator Chris Coons echoed the need for greater international cooperation, but expressed concern about the current administration’s approach, citing the recent proposal to acquire Greenland as an example of potentially destabilizing behavior.