Global leaders gather in Munich
The Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2026, taking place from 13 to 15 February in Bavaria, has drawn around 65 heads of state and government alongside 450 representatives from global politics, academia, and the defence industry. The conference comes amid a report warning of intensifying geopolitical tensions and fragile international alliances.
“Wrecking-ball politics”
In the MSC report foreword, chairman Wolfgang Ischinger notes, “Rarely in the conference’s recent history have there been so many fundamental questions on the table at the same time.” The report describes the world as undergoing political, economic, and security upheaval, with the United States identified as a key driver of change. Analysts argue Washington is challenging long-standing international norms, testing the transatlantic partnership, and reshaping rules-based trade and cooperation with allies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend, with participation from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker rejected claims that America seeks to undermine alliances, emphasising that Europe must also increase defence spending and deliver on NATO commitments.
Erosion of trust and political shifts
The MSC report identifies a decline in trust across Western political systems. Citizens increasingly view politicians as administrators of unresponsive institutions, leading to the rise of actors who favour radical change over incremental reform. In Germany, for instance, far-right party AfD representatives, including Bundestag member Rüdiger Lucassen, are participating in the conference despite controversy over their invitation.
Europe’s strategic challenges
Europe faces heightened uncertainty over US support while contending with Russia’s war in Ukraine and hybrid threats. Many governments are adopting dual-track strategies: maintaining US engagement while bolstering independent capabilities, including defence rearmament. In the Indo-Pacific, doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment, coupled with China’s assertive actions, are contributing to a more unstable security environment.
Zelensky and key speakers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to address the MSC at 12:00 CET, after attending bilateral meetings with European leaders and visiting a joint Ukrainian-German drone production facility. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will lead the German delegation, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, ECB President Christine Lagarde, and other European leaders in attendance.
The conference schedule includes sessions on multilateralism, geoeconomics, Arctic security, hybrid warfare, Iran, and France’s role in Europe and globally, reflecting the broad scope of current geopolitical concerns.
Source: Euronews
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