At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders voiced strong concerns over the Trump administration’s shifting stance on transatlantic relations, democracy, and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the formation of a unified European army, citing Ukraine’s resilience against Russia as proof of Europe’s military potential. "The time has come," he declared, urging the EU to take collective security more seriously.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also addressed tensions, particularly after US Vice President JD Vance met with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leaders. With Germany’s elections approaching, Scholz criticized foreign interference, reaffirming that Germany alone would determine its democratic path. "We will not accept outsiders meddling in our democracy," he stated, making a pointed reference to Germany’s historical commitment to rejecting extremism.

Vance, in his speech, warned that free speech was under threat in Europe, claiming that leaders suppress dissent under the guise of fighting misinformation. Scholz countered, emphasizing that Europe protects free speech but enforces laws against hate speech.

Beyond political concerns, defense spending was a major topic. Trump has pushed NATO allies to raise military budgets to 5% of GDP, well above the current 2% target. Scholz acknowledged Germany's need to invest more but stressed that significant increases would require revising debt regulations. "It is impossible without changing the rules," he said, dismissing unrealistic expectations.

As the Trump administration redefines its approach to NATO, Ukraine, and European politics, European leaders are navigating a rapidly shifting alliance. The conference underscored growing divisions but also a determination among EU nations to assert their own strategic autonomy while managing new US demands.

At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders voiced strong concerns over the Trump administration’s shifting stance on transatlantic relations, democracy, and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for the formation of a unified European army, citing Ukraine’s resilience against Russia as proof of Europe’s military potential. "The time has come," he declared, urging the EU to take collective security more seriously.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also addressed tensions, particularly after US Vice President JD Vance met with Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party leaders. With Germany’s elections approaching, Scholz criticized foreign interference, reaffirming that Germany alone would determine its democratic path. "We will not accept outsiders meddling in our democracy," he stated, making a pointed reference to Germany’s historical commitment to rejecting extremism.

Vance, in his speech, warned that free speech was under threat in Europe, claiming that leaders suppress dissent under the guise of fighting misinformation. Scholz countered, emphasizing that Europe protects free speech but enforces laws against hate speech.

Beyond political concerns, defense spending was a major topic. Trump has pushed NATO allies to raise military budgets to 5% of GDP, well above the current 2% target. Scholz acknowledged Germany's need to invest more but stressed that significant increases would require revising debt regulations. "It is impossible without changing the rules," he said, dismissing unrealistic expectations.

As the Trump administration redefines its approach to NATO, Ukraine, and European politics, European leaders are navigating a rapidly shifting alliance. The conference underscored growing divisions but also a determination among EU nations to assert their own strategic autonomy while managing new US demands.