In Defense of Europe

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

"We Germans know that a world in which only power is taken into account is a dark place. Our country took this path in the twentieth century all the way to its bitter and evil end."

"We Germans are adhering to our legal obligations. We consider this strictly within the context of our nuclear sharing in NATO -- and we will not allow zones of differing security to emerge in Europe." 

"These talks are in their very early stages. We know that we have to make some strategic and military-political decisions here, but again, the time is not yet ripe for that."

"We are holding strategic talks on this issue with the countries involved." 

"In the era of great power rivalry, even the United States will not be powerful enough to go it alone. Dear friends, being a part of NATO is not only Europe’s competitive advantage. It is also the United States’ competitive advantage."

"So let’s repair and revive transatlantic trust together."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

 

"This is the right time for audacity. This is the right time for a strong Europe."

"Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power. It was not part of our DNA."

"We have to reshuffle and reorganize our architecture of security in Europe. Because the past architecture of security was totally designed and framed during Cold War times. So it’s no longer adapted."

French President Emmanuel Macron 

 

"I think it’s at a defining moment … the world is changing very fast right in front of us."

"[The U.S. is] deeply tied to Europe, and our futures have always been linked and will continue to be." "So we’ve just got to talk about what that future looks like."

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio 

 

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks with President of the European Council Antonio Costa at a meeting during the Munich Security Council. The U.K. and France are NATO's European nuclear-armed states. (Stefan Rousseau/Pool/Reuters)

 

"Nobody [was considering fully replacing the American nuclear umbrella, which has shielded Europe's NATO countries for decades]." 

"I think every discussion in Europe making sure that collectively the nuclear deterrence is even stronger, is fine."

"But nobody is arguing in Europe to do this as a sort of replacement of the nuclear umbrella of the United States."

"Everybody realizes that is the ultimate guarantor -- and all these other discussions are in addition."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte  

Making a call to reorder the transatlantic relationship in light of the turmoil that has resulted from U.S. President Trump's declarations about NATO, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been in serious discussions with France relating to potential European nuclear defence, warning at the Munich Security Conference against a new era of great power politics. Germany and Europe, he stressed, are required to increase their security and independence in tandem with one another while seeking out partners in other regions. The ultimate message: the world has changed.

 

"This order, as incomplete as it's been even at the est of times, no longer exists as it did", an audience of leaders and security experts were informed in the Bavarian capital on Friday. And although he reiterated his 'confidential talks' with French President Emmanuel Macron are ongoing on nuclear deterrence, he also warned his audience not to "reflexively write off" the United States. There remains great potential that can be realized still by engaging with Washington, he cautioned.

 

A year ago U.S. Vice-President JD Vance delivered a shocking message to Europe on the Munich stage over migration and freedom of speech and ever since European leaders have been on a search for directions that might help in restoring the post-Second World War alliance. Alternatively, there is the recognition of reality, that Europe may require their own path to proceed with security in an increasingly dangerous world.

 

In citing Europe's "enormous" military economic and technological potential, Chancellor Merz stated that his country had no choice but to move forward by building alliances and in so doing, foregoing the restrictions and protectionism bullying deployed by the Trump administration. While in the process of discussing nuclear deterrence in a reality where Germany itself has no nuclear weapons and following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Germany phased out atomic power, but recognizes the region's vulnerability.

 

European leaders, including Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were present at the conference, along with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Over 50 members of US. Congress were delegated to be present at Munich. The conference report explored transatlantic ties at their bleakest time in eight decades, making reference to the "wrecking ball politics" stirring the globe with President Trump appearing determined to dismantle pillars of a post-war system the U.S. itself led. 

 

European policymakers are engaging in growing discussions about nuclear deterrence, concerned over Russia's aggression amidst uncertainty about America's ongoing security pledges.  Getty Images  

"[There was] no low-cost or risk-free way out of Europe's nuclear predicament [bearing in mind Russia's territorial threats in Europe]."

"The era in which Europe could afford strategic complacency has ended."

"[European policymakers must work together] to confront the role of nuclear weapons in the defence of the continent directly and without delay -- and to invest the resources needed to do so competently."

Munich Security Conference report