Update, 10:11 AM. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking before the start of the conference, announced Berlin’s confident stance in its dialogue with Washington. On the ARD morning program, he noted that a certain alienation and irritation have indeed arisen within NATO due to specific statements from the American side. Wadephul added that these issues would be the subject of discussion in Munich, emphasizing: “Germany will maintain a confident line.” Particular attention is focused on the upcoming speech by Marco Rubio, as the Trump administration has recently exerted repeated pressure on European partners.
First Protests Accompany the Start of the 2026 Conference
Update, 08:42 AM. The first protest actions have already begun to impact the atmosphere surrounding the event. Several hours before the official opening by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Greenpeace activists unfurled a banner on a 60-meter construction crane opposite the conference venue at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. A group of ten climbers secured the banner calling for freedom from tyranny, according to dpa. In this way, activists protested Europe’s energy dependence on liquefied gas supplies from Russia and the US. Numerous demonstrations are planned during the forum, which is attended by Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
AfD Urges Europe to be Decisive Toward the Trump Administration
Update, 07:35 AM. Rüdiger Lucassen, the AfD spokesperson on defense policy, called for a decisive reaction to the new US defense strategy. In an interview with dpa, he stated: “Germany should perceive the current situation as an opportunity. We can take a key role in Europe, assume leadership, and free our continent from voluntary self-deprecation.” Lucassen was among three AfD representatives who received an official invitation to the conference for the first time since 2021, while representatives of the Left Party were not invited, sparking discussion.
Update, 06:36 AM. Shortly before the start of the 62nd conference, Marco Rubio chose a moderate rhetoric. Before departing from Andrews Air Force Base, he emphasized the importance of transatlantic ties, noting that the US is closely connected to Europe. The head of American diplomacy recalled the cultural roots of Americans but simultaneously warned of changes, stating: “We are living in a new era of geopolitics.” Unlike Vice President JD Vance, who actively criticized European allies a year earlier, Rubio is considered less inclined toward conflict. Nevertheless, he is expected to defend the new US course in his speech.
Conference Commences with Merz’s Speech
The 62nd Security Conference has begun its work in Munich. Until February 15, key figures in world politics will gather at the Bayerischer Hof and Rosewood Munich hotels. Almost 50 heads of state and government have confirmed their participation, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who leads a representative German delegation. The US is represented this year by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Wolfgang Ischinger, the long-time chairman of the conference, noted in an interview with Bild: “The 2026 Munich Security Conference will once again become the central platform for global dialogue on the most important issues of international security policy.” The significance of the forum was confirmed last year by the resonant speech of JD Vance.
Rubio Represents the US Administration Instead of Vance
This year, Washington’s interests are represented by Marco Rubio, as neither Donald Trump nor JD Vance arrived in Munich. This year’s conference report cites a sharp statement by Rubio: “The post-war world order is not just obsolete; it is now being used as a weapon against us.” In this regard, CDU representative Norbert Röttgen does not expect a softening of rhetoric. Speaking on Deutschlandfunk, he suggested that the Secretary of State will primarily align his speech with the expectations of President Donald Trump.
Rubio’s plans are also evidenced by his further goals: after Munich, he plans to visit Hungary and Slovakia, where Trump’s EU-skeptical allies, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are in power.
AfD Leadership Excluded from the Official Guest List
While representatives of systemic parties are widely represented at the forum, AfD leaders did not receive official invitations. According to Welt, Alice Weidel, Tino Chrupalla, and Markus Frohnmaier are absent from the list. Nevertheless, Frohnmaier arrived in Munich to hold meetings on the sidelines of the conference.
He expressed his intention to speak with Sarah Rogers, the Deputy Secretary of State, whom he had already met in Washington. According to Frohnmaier, Rogers actively advocates for freedom of speech. Meanwhile, three other AfD deputies—Anna Rathert, Rüdiger Lucassen, and Heinrich Koch—received official participant status.
Munich has once again turned into an arena for world politics. More than a thousand participants will discuss global crises over three days. Chancellor Merz’s speech is scheduled for Friday, with the US representative’s speech expected on Saturday.
Source: dpa, Bild, Welt
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