At 61st Munich Security Conference, Transatlantic Rifts Dominate Dialogue
The Munich Security Conference (MSC), long a platform for transatlantic unity, found itself this year highlighting deepening divides between the U.S. and Europe on issues spanning trade, Ukraine policy, and migration. Over 500 global leaders attended the three-day event, where Germany\'s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier delivered a sharp critique of U.S. unilateralism.
\"The new American administration has no regard for established rules, partnership, and trust,\"
Steinmeier said, reflecting concerns about shifting U.S. priorities. U.S. Vice President JD Vance countered by urging Europe to address illegal migration as its \"most urgent challenge,\" drawing a rare rebuke from German officials who called the remarks interference in \"internal affairs.\"
Trade and Security in Focus
Disagreements over tariffs and defense spending also surfaced, with analysts noting Europe\'s growing frustration with Washington’s transactional diplomacy. The MSC—once a venue for post-WWII solidarity—now underscores the struggle to align strategies amid competing geopolitical visions.
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From tariffs to Ukraine, growing U.S.-Europe rift on display at Munich
cgtn.com
