The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) has become a focal point for showcasing the widening rift between the United States and Europe on critical issues such as tariffs, trade, Ukraine, and defense spending.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the three-day event on Friday by criticizing the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. In his keynote address, Steinmeier accused the administration of recklessly disregarding long-standing international rules, stating, \"The new American administration has a very different world view to ours, one that has no regard for established rules, partnership and established trust. But I am convinced that it is not in the interests of the international community for this world view to become the dominant paradigm.\"
Echoing the tense atmosphere, U.S. Vice President JD Vance addressed the conference on the same day, referencing a recent car attack in Munich. Vance emphasized the urgency of curbing illegal migration, labeling it Europe's \"most urgent\" challenge. In response, German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit defended Europe's autonomy, asserting that outsiders should not be \"meddling in the internal affairs of a friendly country.\"
The MSC, traditionally a platform for strengthening transatlantic cooperation, now finds itself grappling with significant disagreements that could influence future collaboration between the U.S. and European nations.
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From tariffs to Ukraine, growing U.S.-Europe rift on display at Munich
cgtn.com
