The Munich Security Conference took place between 14-16 February 2025 and became an important platform where global security issues were discussed in detail. The main agenda items of the conference included issues such as the acceleration of peace talks in Ukraine, reshaping the European security architecture and faster integration of the Balkan countries into the European Union (EU).
At the opening of the conference, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky emphasized that Europe should determine its own destiny against Russia’s ongoing aggression and called for the establishment of a united European Army. Zelenski also touched upon United States President Donald Trump’s policy towards Ukraine and described the US’s reluctance to expand Ukraine’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its demand for rare earth minerals in return for military support as worrying.
At the Munich Security Conference, European Council President António Costa emphasized that Europe will continue to support Ukraine and said, “Europe has not given up. “We will continue to support Ukraine as an integral part of our peace project,” he said.[1] While Costa stated that Ukraine should be a decisive actor in the peace negotiations, he emphasized the need to prioritize Ukraine’s demands by saying, “It would be a big mistake to make concessions before the negotiations.”[2]
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also argued that Ukraine’s fate should be in his own hands and stated that the support of Europe and the USA should continue. These statements by Scholz and Costa were a response to US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism that European democracy was declining. Vance argued that the real threat to Europe was not Russia or China, but that the loss of value experienced by the continent itself was a more critical problem. These statements started a new debate about Europe’s internal political dynamics.
Zelenski stated that Europe cannot rely on US support as much as before and said: “America does not even think that it has to see Europe at the table. “This tells a lot”, he said, and argued that Europe should build its own defense capacity.[3]Allegations that France will host a possible European defense meeting indicate the beginning of a new era in the continent’s security strategy.
The Trump administration’s desire to establish direct contact with Moscow poses risks for both Europe and Ukraine. In particular, forcing Ukraine into a hasty peace process while the war continues on the ground could endanger Kiev’s long-term security. This development reveals that Europe’s security strategy needs to be reshaped. Zelensky’s warnings call into question the impact of the US attitude towards Ukraine on future political dynamics.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in response to Europe’s exclusion from negotiations on the future of Ukraine, held a summit in Paris on Monday, February 17.[4] This summit was attended by the leaders of Germany, Poland, Italy and Denmark, as well as NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. At this point, the summit organized by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris is of great importance. This summit provided the opportunity to discuss Europe’s security guarantees for Ukraine. This meeting, held under the leadership of Macron, is seen as part of Europe’s efforts to create a more independent security strategy. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine and increasing Europe’s defense capacity.
The US’s initiation of direct negotiations with Russia and Ukraine has increased criticism that Europe’s security interests are being ignored. In particular, Finnish President Stubb’s statement that “Europe needs to take action instead of talking more” revealed that the continent should take more independent steps regarding strategic defense.[5]
As a result, the Munich Security Conference 2025 revealed the fragilities in Europe’s security policies and the change in the global balance of power. The US’s direct negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, the exclusion of Europe from the process, and the uncertainties about the future of Ukraine have made it necessary for the continent to reconsider its security architecture. European leaders have attempted to develop a common stance on supporting Ukraine and have more clearly expressed the need to strengthen their own security policies.
Zelenski’s call for a European Army reinforced the views that the continent should act more independently in the field of defense. However, the variable attitude of the USA in its security policies towards Europe makes it difficult to determine the long-term strategy of the continent. In particular, the Trump administration’s effort to associate support for Ukraine with economic interests and leaving Europe in the background in this equation has deepened the security debates within the EU.
The summit held in Paris represents Europe’s effort to become more strongly involved in the process. However, it will not be easy for the continent to act independently on security issues without a fully common strategy within NATO and the EU. The desire of France, Germany and other European countries to establish long-term security guarantees for Ukraine reflects the continent’s effort to protect its own interests, regardless of ongoing negotiations between the United States and Russia.
As a result, the 2025 Munich Security Conference marks the beginning of a new era in Europe’s understanding of security and foreign policy. As security relations between the USA and Europe become increasingly complex, it has become inevitable for the continent to take stronger steps towards self-determination.
[1] Evelyn Ann-Marie Dom, “EU Council President says Europe is not giving up on support for Ukraine”, Euronews,https://www.euronews.com/2025/02/15/eu-council-president-says-europe-is-not-giving-up-on-support-for-ukraine (Accessed: 16.02.2025).
[2] Ibid.
[3] Maya Yang, Amy Sedghi & Hamish Mackay, “Zelenskyy calls for European army as Germany hits back at US over Vance tirade – as it happened”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/15/russia-ukraine-war-munich-security-conference-jd-vance-zelenskyy-putin-europe-latest-news-updates, (Accessed: 16.02.2025).
[4] Patrick Wintour & Jon Henley, “Macron convenes European leaders for Ukraine summit amid tension with US”, The Guardian,https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/16/ukraine-summit-paris-macron-european-leaders-us-russia, (Accessed: 16.02.2025).
[5] Peter Stubley, Oliver Moody & Peter Conradi, “Trump team to start Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia-as it happened”, The Times, https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/russia-ukraine-war-munich-security-conference-latest-news-ht9rn9s0b?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global, (Accessed: 16.02.2025).
