Merz opens Munich Security Conference
Crises, wars and a transatlantic relationship in flux: the world’s most important security policy gathering will focus on how the global political order is being reshaped.
Munich (dpa) – Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz today opened the Munich Security Conference (MSC) with a keynote on foreign policy. There is keen anticipation over how Merz will address the power politics of US President Donald Trump at his first appearance as German chancellor at the world’s largest gathering of security policy experts. Merz previously indicated that he intended to once again make the case for a strong Europe.
Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in advance: “In times of global upheaval and a resurgence of power politics, political reliability and a commitment to a stable, rules-based international order are our greatest asset.”
A speech by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is leading the government delegation from Washington, is scheduled for Saturday morning.
Organisers are expecting a security conference on an unprecedented scale: more than 60 heads of state and government are expected – more than ever before. In addition, some 100 foreign and defence ministers are set to attend. The talks, which run until Sunday, will focus on the upheaval in the world order, the crisis in transatlantic relations, the Iran conflict and the war in Ukraine. Numerous demonstrations are expected on the fringes of the conference – including against the Iranian government in Tehran.
