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US Allies Push for Stronger Europe at Munich Security Conference

2/26/2026

Center

Europe Advocates Independence

The 2026 Munich Security Conference highlighted tensions between the United States and its allies over security ties.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged a strong, independent Europe and a NATO alliance beneficial to the United States.
NTI focused on reducing nuclear and biological threats, including modernization of the Biological Weapons Convention and working with the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group to strengthen fail-safes and space security.

Right

Fu Ying Advocates Cooperation

The 2026 Munich Security Conference featured its first public forum on artificial intelligence.
Fu Ying, former Chinese vice-foreign minister, urged a balanced approach to AI governance and called for cooperation between China and the United States to manage technological risks.
Panelists Yoshua Bengio and Henna Virkkunen echoed concerns that competitive pressures undermine safety standards.
The conference highlighted inclusive governance and multilateral efforts in shaping the future of AI technology.

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Europe Advocates Independence

The 2026 Munich Security Conference highlighted tensions between the United States and its allies over security ties.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged a strong, independent Europe and a NATO alliance beneficial to the United States.
NTI focused on reducing nuclear and biological threats, including modernization of the Biological Weapons Convention and working with the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group to strengthen fail-safes and space security.

1 / 2