German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called for a “new transatlantic partnership,” while French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a stronger and more autonomous Europe. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, previewing his remarks, described Europe as a “sleeping giant” that should rely less on the United States for defense and pursue greater burden-sharing.

The gathering, which included more than 60 world leaders, took place as relations with the United States remained strained by former President Trump’s criticism of Europe and his threats regarding regional defense commitments. Despite the tensions, European officials defended NATO and emphasized that mutual security benefits both sides of the Atlantic. Merz warned that in an era of great-power rivalry, even the United States cannot act alone and urged efforts to repair trust across the Atlantic.

EU, Canadian, and NATO leaders — including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy — discussed the war in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression, emphasizing increased European defense spending and continued support for Kyiv. A German source said meetings between Merz and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio focused on Ukraine, negotiations with Russia, military aid, as well as Iran and NATO issues. Rubio also held talks with leaders from Denmark and Greenland regarding Arctic sovereignty.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Rubio on the sidelines of the conference, underscoring China’s preference for dialogue and cooperation over conflict. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Sybiga and Wang discussed efforts to end the invasion, with China signaling potential humanitarian assistance.

Macron argued for establishing a new framework to address a more assertive Russia after the war. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy toured a drone factory in Munich and called for sustained European-American partnerships, alongside stronger European defense capabilities.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that Europe is stepping up its leadership within the alliance, arguing that a strong Europe within a strong NATO reinforces the transatlantic bond.

The overarching theme of the conference was clear: Europe is seeking greater strategic autonomy and stronger defenses, while reaffirming the importance of its alliance with the United States. (Bssnews)