French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europeans to take greater pride in the continent’s achievements and become more self-reliant, independent of the United States, to face future challenges.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Munich Security Conference on Friday, Macron emphasised the need for a stronger, more autonomous EU.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz delivered a blunt assessment in his keynote address, declaring that “the post-World War II order, shaped by US supremacy and Europe, has finally come to an end,” catching EU leadership off guard with sudden shifts under President Donald Trump.
Merz warned of a growing “rift” between Europe and the United States and urged the EU and the West to unite in shaping a new, just world order grounded in moral values, equality, and respect.
“We are not at the mercy of this world; we can shape it,” he said. “Europeans can do so if we step up together with determination and confidence in our own strengths.”
He called for reviving the once-cherished trans-Atlantic partnership amid the rise of China and Russia, noting that trust between the US and the EU has been eroded.
The US delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to speak later today. Before departing for Munich, Rubio stated, “The old world is gone, frankly, the world I grew up in, and we live in a new era in geopolitics, and it’s going to require all of us to re-examine what that looks like and what our role is going to be.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, also addressing the conference today, warned: “We are not the Britain of the Brexit years anymore. Because we know that, in dangerous times, we would not take control by turning inward — we would surrender it. And I won’t let that happen.”
He added: “There is no British security without Europe, and no European security without Britain. That is the lesson of history — and it is today’s reality too.”
European leaders have openly expressed frustration and anger toward the Trump administration over issues including Greenland, Ukraine, the operation to abduct Nicolás Maduro, Gaza, and escalating tensions with Iran.
Also read: Macron condemns US visa ban on EU officials
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