Regardless of who wins the United States presidential race, the European Union must step up its own security efforts. This was the stance voiced by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a recent security event in Munich, underscoring a broader call for Europe to take greater responsibility for its safety in the years ahead. The remarks, carried by TASS, reflect a clear message: security planning cannot hinge on any single allied leader or national outcome, but must be a steady, multi-year priority for the EU as a whole (Source: TASS).
Scholz emphasized that Europeans should be more vigilant about security now and in the future. He highlighted the need for continuous reinforcement of defense capabilities, resilience, and strategic autonomy that would withstand political shifts in Washington and elsewhere. The essence of his argument is that European security should be built on durable cooperation among member states, credible deterrence, and robust partnerships, rather than enacting security measures that rise and fall with the political calendar (Source: TASS).
Throughout his remarks, the Chancellor pointed to the importance of maintaining steady defense investment, improving alliance readiness, and coordinating policies that address evolving threats. He argued that the EU’s security framework needs to be adaptable to whatever the next administration in the United States may decide, while remaining firmly anchored in Europe’s own strategic priorities and capabilities (Source: TASS).
A related report published on the eve of the Munich Security Conference noted new concerns within Germany. It stated that Russia continues to be perceived as the primary threat by many Germans. The report also highlighted issues such as immigration pressures and the risk of radicalization, which have become focal points in domestic security discussions. These findings add context to the broader European security debate, illustrating how external and internal challenges intersect at the regional level (Source: TASS).
Further, a subsequent release based on the same report indicated a shift in public sentiment across the European Union toward Russia. The mood changes cited reflect a growing emphasis on deterrence, resilience, and a cautious approach to engagement with Russia, shaping policy discourse across member states (Source: TASS).
Earlier in Munich, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced a stinging critique of the global financial system, calling into question its relevance and effectiveness for today’s geopolitical realities. His remarks contributed to the conference’s broader theme of recalibrating international cooperation, finance, and security to better serve global stability and national interests in the 21st century (Source: UN).