Merz Declares Rules-Based Order Defunct at Munich Security Conference
The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, issued a stark warning that the rules-based world order "no longer exists" during his opening remarks at the annual Munich Security Conference. Addressing fellow world leaders, Merz emphasized that "our freedom is not guaranteed" amid the resurgence of big power politics, urging Europeans to prepare for "sacrifice."
He acknowledged a significant rift between Europe and the United States, stating that "a deep divide has opened between Europe and the United States." This conference is convening against a backdrop of heightened tensions, including US President Donald Trump's controversial proposal to annex Greenland, a Danish territory in the Arctic, and his imposition of tariffs on imports from European countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended Merz's speech and is scheduled to speak on Saturday, described the current period as "a new era in geopolitics." Approximately 50 world leaders are expected to participate in this year's conference, where discussions will focus on European defense and the future of the transatlantic alliance.
The event occurs amid growing doubts about the United States' commitment to the NATO military alliance. Trump's Greenland ambitions have been perceived by many European leaders as a pivotal moment that has undermined trust with its principal ally. Other critical topics on the agenda include the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, tensions between the West and China, and the prospects of an Iran-US nuclear agreement.
Merz's Candid Assessment of Global Order and Transatlantic Relations
Addressing concerns about the erosion of the international order, Merz remarked:
"I fear we must put it even more bluntly: this order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form."
He further commented on the transatlantic divide:
"A rift, a deep divide has opened between Europe and the United States. Vice-President JD Vance said this very openly here in Munich a year ago."
Merz elaborated:
"He was right. The culture war of the Maga [Make America Great Again] movement is not ours. Freedom of speech ends here with us when that speech goes against human dignity and the constitution. We do not believe in tariffs and protectionism, but in free trade."
Last year, Vice-President JD Vance criticized Europe, including the UK, over policies on free speech and immigration, sparking a year of unprecedented transatlantic tensions. Despite these challenges, Merz did not dismiss the long-standing partnership, instead appealing directly to the United States:
"Let's repair and revive transatlantic trust."
Confidential Talks on European Nuclear Deterrent
Merz also disclosed that "confidential talks" are underway with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the establishment of a joint European nuclear deterrent, though he provided no additional details. Currently, France and the United Kingdom are the only nuclear-armed states in Europe, with Germany and other European nations traditionally relying on the US nuclear umbrella within NATO for deterrence.
Rubio Highlights Rapid Geopolitical Changes
Prior to the conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked on the swift transformations in global politics when asked if his message to Europeans would be more conciliatory than Vance's speech a year ago:
"We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be."
Recent months have seen heightened tensions as President Trump repeatedly asserted that Greenland is vital to US national security, alleging without evidence that it was "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place."
Trump told reporters outside the White House on Friday:
"Greenland's gonna want us... We get along very well with Europe. We'll see how it works out. We're negotiating right now for Greenland."
In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced plans to meet with Rubio to discuss the US threats to seize Greenland from its NATO ally.
