The German Chancellor from the Munich Security Conference: In the age of the great powers… Europe’s freedom is under threat!

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the world has entered a new phase of great power conflict, stressing that Europe’s freedom is no longer as self-evident or guaranteed as it used to be, in a keynote speech delivered at the opening of the Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz National Security Conference.

Merz said that the rules-based international order is witnessing accelerated erosion, in light of profound shifts in the global balance of power, pointing to the rise of China and the decline of certainty about the continuation of American hegemony, which forces Europe to redefine its role and strengthen its own capabilities politically, militarily, economically and technologically.

“In the age of great powers, freedom is threatened if we aren’t prepared to defend it,” he said, calling on Europeans to take greater responsibility for their own security and stability.

The EU has enormous economic potential, but it doesn’t translate that power into equivalent political and military influence, which requires deep reforms and closer coordination among its countries.

The German chancellor touched on transatlantic relations, stressing the importance of partnership with the United States, but at the same time stressing that this relationship is no longer as automatic as it used to be.

He noted that there are clear differences in political and economic visions, arguing that mutual trust within NATO remains a key pillar of European security, but Europe is also required to build broader partnerships with other democratic powers around the world.

Merz stressed that Germany will work to strengthen its role within Europe and within the framework of international alliances, stressing that defending freedom and democratic values requires sustainable investments in defense and technological capabilities, as well as a strong internal political unity.

He concluded his speech on an optimistic note, considering that democratic alliances still have the ability to face global challenges, provided that joint and realistic action is taken in the face of accelerated geopolitical transformations.