Washington, DC – US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio is leading a high-level US delegation to the Munich Security Conference.
This move underscores the importance of transatlantic relations, despite what European officials have described as a current “crisis of confidence” in those relations.
Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, said at a press conference in Berlin that the US delegation is expected to include more than 50 members of Congress.
Among them is Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
This indicates significant US interest in the conference at a politically sensitive time.
A major crisis of trust and credibility
Ischinger added that around 15 heads of state and government from the European Union would participate in the conference.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will open it on Friday, and it will continue until Sunday.
He emphasized that the high turnout demonstrates a European and American
understanding of the importance of dialogue, especially in light of growing security and political challenges.
The conference chairman explained that transatlantic relations are currently experiencing a “major crisis of trust and credibility.”
He noted that the United States’ participation at such a high level sends a positive message
about Washington’s desire to maintain communication channels with its European allies.
This comes after the controversy sparked by remarks made by US Vice President J.D. Vance at last year’s conference.
At that conference, he accused European leaders of restricting freedom of expression and failing to control immigration.
This triggered a wave of reciprocal criticism and caused widespread concern among Washington’s European allies.
The future of Europe’s power
Rubio is expected to speak at the conference on Saturday. Ischinger said he does not anticipate a similar attack.
The US Secretary of State is likely to focus on foreign policy issues, particularly international security and relations with Europe.
Ischinger noted that one of the key items on the conference agenda will be the future of Europe’s ability to enhance its strategic autonomy.
The summit will work toward this by developing its own capabilities and strengthening its unity.
He also noted that the unified European response to US President Donald Trump’s previous proposals
regarding Greenland demonstrated that such a solution could be achieved if necessary.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to lead his country’s delegation to the conference,
which comes ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Palestinian and Israeli officials will also participate. Additionally, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado will participate online.
