All Eyes on Munich to Reveal Future of Europe-U.S. Relations

The Munich Security Conference is underway and is expected to signal a future of weakening relations between Europe and the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump, Politico reported.

• The Munich Security Conference is a meeting of heads of state and state officials who gather to discuss international security issues.
• The 61st conference is being held February 14 to February 16.
• United States Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Keith Kellogg are among the U.S. delegates attending the conference.

At the Munich Security Conference this year, European states are looking for the answer to their pressing question: Can the United States remain a reliable ally?

Pay-up: On January 7, President Trump called for nato members to increase defense spending to 5 percent of gross domestic product, up from the previous goal of 2 percent. This provoked discussion among European states, several of which said it would be impossible for them to meet such a requirement. But other European nations, including Poland and Sweden, agreed with the proposal that Europe needs to invest more in its own defense.

Remilitarizing: Europe is already militarizing dramatically, and Trump’s call only amplified the voices encouraging greater militarization. The combined defense spending of European Union countries reached a record €326 billion (us$335.6 billion) in 2024, equivalent to 1.9 percent of the EU’s combined gdp. Continuing on this trajectory, Europe’s defense spending could soon reach a trillion dollars.

Waking up to Trump: With the U.S. proclaiming its “America first” policy and making clear that it expects Europe to shoulder more of the burden of its defense, Europe is waking up to its need for dramatic change. For decades, Europe, and Germany in particular, has relied on defense from the U.S., a measure designed to prevent Germany from starting another world war. But Europe now doubts whether it can rely on the United States for protection.

Most people today, President Trump included, do not fear a militarily independent Germany as they should. Revived German militarism is a glaring danger for anyone who will look. Trump’s presidency will have a profound impact on Germany as it hurtles down the path to war.

Learn more: Read “After Trump’s Victory, Watch Germany.”