The Munich Security Conference commenced with a moment of silence for the victims of Thursday’s car ramming attack in Munich, which left at least 36 people injured, including several in critical condition. While the attack is not believed to be linked to the conference, it cast a somber tone over the event.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the conference with a call to accelerate Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. She emphasized that significant progress has already been made and urged the bloc to “move mountains” to meet the new geopolitical reality. Von der Leyen framed Ukraine’s integration into the EU as part of Europe’s “enduring promise of peace” and underscored the need for structural adaptations within the EU to facilitate this process. She stated that “Ukraine belongs in the European family, and we must work tirelessly to make this a reality.”
She also warned of the dire consequences should Ukraine falter in its resistance against Russia, arguing that “a failed Ukraine would weaken Europe, but it would also weaken the United States.” She emphasized the necessity of continued financial and military support, calling on EU member states to “match our words with actions.” Von der Leyen reiterated that “we must ensure that Ukraine has not just our moral support, but the concrete means to defend itself and rebuild.”
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered a stark critique of European leadership, accusing them of “running in fear of your own voters.” He challenged European leaders to define what they are defending, arguing that suppressing political opposition undermines democracy. He cited migration as a key concern, referencing the identity of the suspect in the Munich attack, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker. Vance argued that unchecked migration policies have led to voter backlash across Europe, pointing to Brexit and other elections as evidence of shifting public sentiment.
Vance also took aim at what he described as censorship in Europe, likening certain policies to Cold War-era authoritarianism. He criticized EU content moderation regulations, German police actions against online speech, and Sweden’s legal actions against an activist involved in Qur’an burnings. He expressed concern over what he perceives as a growing tendency within the EU to curtail free speech in the name of combating extremism.
On the topic of democracy, Vance sharply rebuked the EU establishment for what he called “cavalier statements” on democratic values. He cited remarks from a former European Commissioner, presumably Thierry Breton, regarding the annulment of elections in Romania and the possibility of similar actions elsewhere. He warned against a retreat from fundamental democratic principles, arguing that such actions contradict the very values the EU claims to uphold.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, von der Leyen praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace and contrasted it with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression. She cautioned that a failed Ukraine would weaken both Europe and the United States, emphasizing the strategic necessity of supporting Kyiv. She aligned with previous remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, highlighting the broader geopolitical implications of the war, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Von der Leyen also backed Hegseth’s recent calls for increased European defense spending, urging EU nations to “not only speak frankly, but act accordingly.” She announced plans to restructure defense funding to enable member states to substantially increase their expenditures, ensuring better coordination in pan-European investment projects. She stressed that “Europe must take responsibility for its own security,” and proposed reforms to enhance joint military capabilities and streamline decision-making processes.
In her closing remarks, von der Leyen turned to trade policy, taking a firm stance against proposed tariffs by former U.S. President Donald Trump. She warned that “trade wars and punitive tariffs make no sense,” arguing that they function as an economic burden on workers and fuel inflation. However, she stressed that the EU would respond if necessary to protect its industries and workforce. “We do not believe in isolationism,” she declared, “but we will not stand by and let unfair trade practices undermine our economies.”
The Munich Security Conference continues, with further discussions expected on global security challenges, economic policy, and the future of transatlantic relations.