- The Munich Security Conference underscored Europe’s inherent weaknesses which is still militarily reliant on the US, fragmented on matters of importance, and economically dependent on China.
- The Vice President of the USA JD Vance had a straightforward message for European leaders: the continent is in an existential crisis, largely of its own making.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz countered Vance’s criticism, arguing that European free speech policies were crafted to reconcile freedoms with social responsibility.
- India’s EAM Dr S Jaishankar was unambiguous in his message: India does not require lectures on democracy from people who have no interest in its administration.
The 62nd Munich Security Conference was held from February 14 to 16, 2025, with “Multipolarization” as its overall theme. This year’s meeting coincided with a pivotal moment for Europe, as the return of President Trump to the White House has generated a significant strategic conundrum. Europe has been depending on the U.S. for security and geopolitical stability for years, but Washington is now pressuring it to change its strategy. The question is: Is Europe able to afford such a transition, and is it even prepared for it? This year’s conference was especially notable since it occurred at a time when European security was under such great strain. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to stretch the continent politically as well as economically.
Most of the European nations are experiencing technical recessions, which makes it increasingly difficult to continue military assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, they are not placed to fill the shoes of the U.S. as the key benefactor of Kyiv. The conference welcomed some of the most important world leaders, such as U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, and interim German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. They all were in Munich to present their views on how to get through these uncertain times.
Vice President JD Vance: The U.S. Perspective on Europe’s Challenges
JD Vance had a straightforward message for European leaders: the continent is in an existential crisis, largely of its own making. His address contained a blunt warning of Europe’s declining devotion to free speech. Referring to instances of governments suppressing dissent, he contended that Europe, which was once a stronghold of liberal democracy, was becoming more intolerant of differing opinions.
“Freedom of speech in Europe is dying, not due to foreign interference, but due to internal authoritarian tendencies,” he asserted. He also minimized worries about Russian interference, rather arguing that Europe’s own internal strife and policy inadequacies presented the true risk to its stability. This argument, consistent with the overall line of President Donald Trump’s administration, marked a change in the way Washington might approach Europe in the future—perhaps with fewer commitments to NATO and more concern for internal American interests and Indo-Pacific issues.
President Volodymyr Zelensky: A Plea for European Unity
Volodymyr Zelensky, with the verve of a warlord who was fighting for the survival of his country, demanded greater European unity in defence. He called for an “armed forces of Europe” while contending that the battle between Ukraine and Russia had offered a model for such a move. “We have bled, we have fought, and we have created a resistance that should mobilize all of Europe,” he declared.
But Zelensky was also firm on one point: Ukraine would not accept any peace agreement dictated by foreign powers. “No one will decide our fate without us,” he cautioned, a clear warning to both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. His words exposed an uncomfortable truth for Europe—leaders mouth unity, but a real commitment to collective defence is still patchy.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz: Defending the European Status Quo
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke up on stage to counter Vance’s criticism, upholding Europe’s model of democracy and governance. He argued that European free speech policies were crafted to reconcile freedoms with social responsibility, but the words fell flat to many observers who recognize a growing trend of silencing dissent. Scholz’s address emphasized the reluctance of the European establishment to recognize its failure. While he stressed economic and security cooperation, he mostly avoided the larger issue of Europe’s waning power in international affairs and its over-dependence on American security guarantees.
Minister S. Jaishankar: India’s Pragmatic Vision
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar launched a forthright defence of India’s democracy at this year’s Munich Security Conference, rejecting criticism from media outlets and think tanks. At a dramatic point, he lifted his ink-stained index finger—a sign of his having cast his ballot—to underline the point that India’s leaders are elected by its people, not unelected commentators.
Jaishankar was unambiguous in his message: India does not require lectures on democracy from people who have no interest in its administration. He faulted the practice of some foreign analysts questioning India’s democratic credentials without any accountability on their part. He also strongly opposed foreign diplomats interfering in India’s domestic affairs, clearly stating that such interference is not welcome or appropriate.
Europe’s Strategic Vulnerability: A Continent in Retreat
Beyond the rhetoric, the Munich Security Conference underscored Europe’s inherent weaknesses. The continent is still militarily reliant on the United States, strategically fragmented on matters of importance, and economically interdependent with China. Even after Zelensky’s appeal for a single military force, European countries still lack the unity and political will to make such a vision a reality. The European Union has met international crises with a largely reactive posture, betraying an underlying weakness: an inability to set forth a long-term strategic aspiration. Leaders tout the need to enhance European independence, yet policies are still anchored in American leadership. The truth is sombre—Europe is a geopolitical actor without an endgame.
The Erosion of Free Speech and the Death of European Liberalism
Europe, the former champion of democracy and human rights, is now fighting to apply these principles domestically. Throughout the continent, people are being locked up for simply voicing an opinion, whether on social media or in street protests. The same regimes that pontificate to the rest of the world on human rights are increasingly shutting off dissent within their borders. This double standard has not been missed, and it’s undermining Europe’s reputation on the international stage.
The Immigration Crisis: A Slow-Burning Threat
The most pressing national security threat Europe currently faces is the uncontrolled flow of illegal immigrants. French, German, and Swedish cities have seen a surge in crime, social unrest, and economic pressure as governments struggle to absorb a tidal wave of new arrivals. What were once prosperous urban areas now deal with gang violence, radicalization, and public disorder.
Liberal European politicians’ policies—more idealistic than pragmatic—have placed national identity in jeopardy. Instead of focusing on social cohesion and national security, governments have chosen virtue signalling, with migration policy spiralling wildly out of control. This has given rise to a surge in right-wing movements, as indigenous populations call for stability and national sovereignty to be restored.
Conclusion: Europe at the Crossroads
The 61st Munich Security Conference was not merely a discussion of policy—it was a mirror of Europe’s increasing crisis. While leaders like Zelensky call for more unity and military power, the political and structural limitations are still daunting. The gap between U.S. and European priorities, the escalation of internal security threats, and the impending transfer of global power all lead to one unavoidable truth: Europe is at a turning point.
References:
- https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/jd-vances-speech-munich-criticism-europe-9839558/
- https://stratnewsglobal.com/world-news/munich-security-meet-and-indias-modi-fied-status/
- https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/2700460-2700460
- https://responsiblestatecraft.org/munich-conference-zelensky-2671163198/
- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/s-jaishankar-west-global-democracy-double-standards-munich-security-conference-panel-2680452-2025-02-15
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/transatlantic-alliance-age-trump-coming-collisions
Aayush Pal is a freelance writer on contemporary geopolitical developments. The views expressed in his work are entirely his own.
Piyush Anand 
Balaji Subramanian