Prime Minister Luc Frieden on Saturday described the atmosphere at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) as serious, dismal, and an overall reflection of the current global state of affairs. Speaking to RTL, Frieden argued that the convention in the Bavarian capital has once again highlighted the need for European solidarity to preserve peace on the continent.
While the speech by US Vice Prsident JD Vance was not well-received by European officials in Munich, Frieden believes it is too early to decry a potential break between the US and Europe. Nevertheless, the PM criticised Vance’s tone, labelling it not befitting for a talk between allies and admitting that many of his recent announcements came as a “cold shower for Europeans”.
In a series of bilateral meetings, including with CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz, Frieden hopes that potential ways by which Europeans can strengthen stability on the continent by themselves will emerge. He spoke of possible military solutions, though he expressed doubt that a European army, as floated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, is feasible in the short term.
However, Frieden believes that a standardisation of arms and defence systems within Europe is a critical first step. He also said that patience is needed ahead of the planned peace talks between US President Trump and Russian President Putin in Saudi Arabia, expressing cautious optimism about the situation.
At 11.30am on Sunday, Luxembourg’s PM is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on reviving European competitiveness, which you can follow below:
