International Rules-Based Order and Europe's Security Concerns

At the annual Munich Security Conference, significant concerns about the state of the international rules-based order and Europe's security infrastructure were raised by key leaders.

Statements by Leaders

• Friedrich Merz (Germany's Chancellor): Declared that the international rules-based order "no longer exists".
• Emmanuel Macron (French President): Called for greater European "military autonomy" to strengthen the continent's position within NATO.
• Marco Rubio (U.S. Secretary of State): Promised cooperation between the U.S. and Europe, emphasizing a relationship based on shared history and Christian cultural linkages.

Transatlantic Tensions

There are visible strains in transatlantic relations, compounded by growing challenges in Europe:

• U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance previously criticized Europe’s democratic model and refugee policies.
• The Trump administration is pushing Europe towards participating in its cultural and dominance agendas.

Europe's Challenges

Europe is contending with several pressing issues:

• Eastern Conflict: The largest land conflict since World War II has persisted for four years, with Europe striving to aid Ukraine and sanction Russia without achieving decisive outcomes.
• U.S. Dependency: Europe's reliance on the U.S. for security is increasingly unsustainable, with rising far-right influences in the U.S. affecting transatlantic commitments.
• Internal Far-Right Movements: Resurgence of far-right politics challenges the notion of an inclusive European Union.

Strategic Recommendations for Europe

Key strategies for Europe to navigate current and future challenges include:

• Reducing reliance on the U.S. and fostering strategic autonomy.
• Rebuilding the international order by collaborating with countries beyond the Western sphere.
• Working towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine and establishing a stable relationship with Russia.
• Addressing public dissatisfaction with the political establishment to curb the rise of far-right movements.
• Prioritizing continental peace, stability, and global engagement as Europe redefines its role in the new world order.