World’s rules-based order ‘no longer exists’, Germany’s Merz warns
World’s rules-based order ‘no longer exists’, Germany’s Merz warns
At the Munich Security Conference, Germany’s Chancellor cautioned that the global system grounded in shared rules has vanished. Speaking during the annual event, Friedrich Merz emphasized that European nations must brace for “sacrifice” in a shifting landscape dominated by major power rivalries. He also acknowledged a growing split between Europe and the United States, a divide he attributed to diverging priorities in international affairs.
The conference unfolded against a backdrop of escalating tensions, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that Denmark’s control over Greenland is under threat. Trump has pledged to annex the Arctic territory, framing it as essential to American security. This move has sparked concerns among European leaders about their alliance’s reliability. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, set to address the gathering on Saturday, previously hinted at a “new era in geopolitics” during discussions with attendees.
With around 50 world leaders in attendance, the summit will focus on European defense strategies and the future of transatlantic cooperation. Recent doubts about U.S. commitments to NATO have amplified these concerns. Trump’s vocal interest in Greenland, which he claims is swarmed by Russian and Chinese vessels, has been seen as a pivotal moment undermining European confidence in their U.S. ally. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen planned to meet Rubio to address these threats.
Merz’s Stance on Global Order
Merz challenged the notion of a stable international framework, stating: “I fear we must put it even more bluntly: this order, however imperfect it was even at its best, no longer exists in that form.” He highlighted the rift between Europe and the U.S., citing Vice-President JD Vance’s remarks at last year’s conference as a clear example. “The culture war of the Maga movement is not ours,” Merz argued, stressing that Europeans value free speech but reject policies that infringe on human dignity and constitutional principles.
“Greenland’s gonna want us… We get along very well with Europe. We’ll see how it works out. We’re negotiating right now for Greenland.”
Merz also revealed ongoing “confidential talks” with French President Emmanuel Macron to develop a European nuclear deterrent. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, which has long been relied upon by Germany and other European nations. Macron, speaking later on Friday, reiterated his push for Europe to “learn to become a geopolitical power” in a transformed global context. He noted that European nations have already begun rearming after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, urging faster collective action.
Macron framed the war in Ukraine as an “existential challenge,” calling on allies to resist Russian pressures and intensify efforts for a fair peace. Meanwhile, Rubio acknowledged the world’s rapid transformation, stating that the current geopolitical environment demands a reevaluation of alliances and roles. As the conference progresses, debates over trade policies, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and potential Iran-U.S. nuclear agreements will shape discussions on the future of international cooperation.